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New2grammar Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

they may not have

German lost Euro 2008 and the reporter said, "They may not have come first but they came second"

My question is, why 'may' instead of didn't? May suggests possibility but there's no possibility because they have lost.

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

The reported is conceding a point. Typical usage. Just get used to it.

— Marius Hancu

  • The reported is conceding a point.
  • Typical usage.
  • Just get used to it.
  • , but ...
  • , but ...
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1 Answers
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The reported is conceding a point. Typical usage. Just get used to it.
It means: I agree that they didn't ..., but ... , Perhaps they didn't ..., but ...
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