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Avangi Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

He might say it in fun.

Hi,

I just used this in a post, referring to my grandfather, who died forty years ago. I don't know if I'll ever learn the ins and outs of modals. To my ear, it sounds fine, but it does seem strange when you think about it.

I didn't want to use, "He might have said it in fun," because that would seem to refer to a particular occasion. My intention was to refer to the habits of a deceased person.

Any guidance on this?? << He might say it in fun. >>

Best wishes, - A.
  

Top answer

"He might have said it in fun" I don't see anything wrong with this formulation. Given the context of your original post I would not have taken it to mean a specific occasion. In fact your revised version here is better than the original.

  • "He might have said it in fun" I don't see anything wrong with this formulation.
  • Given the context of your original post I would not have taken it to mean a specific occasion.
  • In fact your revised version here is better than the original.
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3 Answers
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"He might have said it in fun"
I don't see anything wrong with this formulation. Given the context of your original post I would not have taken it to mean a specific occasion. In fact your revised version here is better than the original.
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Avangi it does seem strange when you think about it.
Not to me. A little old-fashioned, maybe, but I like it.
AvangiAny guidance on this?? << He might say it in fun. >>
A (fairly rare) case of might as the past tense of may, I'd say (in the intended reading).

Back in the old days, the
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Thanks for the help, guys!

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