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Chasteguy Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Plz help to understand "might be able to" and "may as well"

Hi

I am confused about the meaning and use of might be able to and may as well. I mean what does we mean when we say:

He might be able to become a doctor.

He might be able to do wonders.

Though the literal meaning of these expressions is that the chances are bright that he will be able to become a doctor and likewise there are chances that he will be able to do wonders, yet we also use them to mean

"Don't worry he won't be able to become a doctor."

"Don't worry he won't be able to do wonders."

Please clarify it

Then there is confusion regarding may as well

Your brother may as well come in. (Your brother is also allowed to come in)

But what does the following sentence mean????

All the shops are closed we may as well go back.

Many thanks in advance

RASHID
  

Top answer

chasteguy I mean what does do we mean when we say: He might be able to become a doctor. He might be able to do wonders. The meanings are: It is possible that he will be able to become a doctor.

— CalifJim

  • chasteguy I mean what does do we mean when we say: He might be able to become a doctor.
  • He might be able to do wonders.
  • The meanings are: It is possible that he will be able to become a doctor.
  • / Maybe he can become a doctor.
  • It is possible that he will be able to do wonders.
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3 Answers
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chasteguyI mean what does do we mean when we say:
He might be able to become a doctor.
He might be able to do wonders.
The meanings are:

It is possible that he will be able to become a doctor. / Maybe he can become a doctor.

It is possible that he will be able to do wonders. / Maybe he can do wonders.

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Thanks a lot CJ

But I am still very confused about these paraphrases

He is always after her but he might be able to marry her because it is just the class difference.

He keeps on studying all the time but he might be able to become a doctor because he lacks brilliance.

Thanks for clarifying may as well...

But can we write it in the past?

I mean
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chasteguyBut can we write it in the past?
I mean...
All the shops were closed; they might as well go back.
No, that's not how you put it in the past. It's like this:

All the shops were closed; they might as well have gone back.

chasteguyHe is always after her but he might be able to marry her be
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