As you note, 'could have' expresses that you had the possibility of borrowing it, but 'might have' would express the idea perhaps you would have borrowed it (if, for example, the circumstances had been … Includes helpful articles, a glossary, quizzes, and a large language reference. Both are most commonly used to say that something is possible or probable, as in these examples: You may/might be right. He might have forgotten that we were meeting today. They might have arrived by now. Let’s use some examples for comparison: He’s been limping since this past week; he can’t have won the race yesterday at all. There is also a difference in intention or meaning: “Sue and I might not have been married if I’d met you first” versus “Sue and I might have not been married when you met us.” 2.3K views The following dictation exercises include use of this grammar structure: Modals: can't have/ must have / might have, Modals: must, have to, should, should have, Modals: can’t have, must have, might have - passive, General vocabulary trainer – save your score, access audio files. For example, He might have called earlier, but I was not home. In the second sentence, "not" is used to emphasise the negative of the main verb; in this case, "might have" describes a positive possibility that he did not send the invitations. The past negative is might not / mightn’t / may not / can’t / couldn’t + have + been or the past participle of another verb. Show activity on this post. Rate it: (0.00 / 0 votes) been there, though not done that: Used for expressing that though one may have seen something (unpleasant), he may have not participated in the same. and moderators, we have a number of professional volunteer English 1. She might get a ride from Bill. What is the exact meaning of "would have not been" and "would not have been" in English grammar? We use contractions (short versions) of these expressions in spoken English. 2. “I coulda been a contender” is a famous line from On the Waterfront, a classic 1954 movie. Could not have means that something was impossible in the past. By continuing to use our website without changing your settings, we assume you are happy to receive these cookies. "But he might have not sent out the invitations yet." When do we use might and might not?. (Past tense) The criminal might not have been caught, had you not sounded the alarm. day. 4. The structure may / might + perfect infinitive is used to talk about the possibility that something happened in the past. We use might when we are not sure about something in the present or future: I might see you tomorrow. While Can’t Have (Been) is used to refer to an incident in the near past, Couldn’t Have (Been) is used for an event that happened way back in the past. ‘Suzan isn’t answering the phone.’ ‘She might be in the garden.’; The sky is clearing up. If he had understood the consequences, he ____ the email. … Activate your free month of lessons (special offer for new users, with no obligation to buy) - and receive a level assessment! When people write would of, should of, could of, will of or might of, they are usually confusing the verb have with the preposition of. If you want to learn English grammar or grow your vocabulary then these resources will help you with your studies. The one-word forms may and might are also nearly always interchangeable. Copyright 2013-2020 Copyright and trademark information. Might’ve – should’ve – would’ve In more formal written English, we will write both words. 3. Level: intermediate. Our online discussion forums are the perfect place to quickly get help I might have been taking a shower when you called. It may have got lost in the post. She might not be on the bus. Now, let’s talk about grammar. If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know: Use the search box above to quickly search the forum, or use our Advanced Search. We use may have and might have to make guesses about the past: I haven't received your letter. Articles about learning, using and teaching the English language, ; I might (not)= It is possible that I will (not) grammar, spelling and punctuation, through to language teaching, [Grammar] Any difference between 'It may not have been' and 'It may have not been'? Also provides access to questions Might - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary UsingEnglish.com is partnering with Gymglish to give you a free one-month trial of this online English training course. I'm not sure what tense this is and whether I have used it correctly. Please help me analyse the tense used here. Includes tests, a question bank, quizzes, language polls and more. Rate it: (0.00 / 0 votes) been to the rodeo: Exposed to conmen and hucksters; experienced. A GUESS: The car driver might have tried to pass between two buses. ‘Ann hasn’t arrived yet.’ ‘She may have missed the train.’ (= It is possible that she missed the train.) If the event or situation referred to did not in fact occur, it's better to use might have: The draw against Italy might have been a turning point, but it didn't turn out like that. (Present tense) If you can determine the tense of your sentence, you can easily choose between might or may. It could also be used to say that something was true in the past. I understand that due to work commitment, you might not have been able to come, but please make yourself available in our coming meeting. I wonder why your friend is not here - she might have had other things to do. check out the. Either is correct although “might not have been” sounds less awkward. By the time you read this, he may have made his decision. It is possible that he has not finished his exams, but it is also possible that he has finished them. "can't have": we believe the action definitely did not happen (the opposite of "must have"). learning English. It looks nice, but it might be very expensive. To nearly all Americans, these sentences carry … May - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Sarah thinks she ____ her purse on the bus. If I entered the contest, I might actually win. You can find out more in our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy Continue. Or the continuous been + verb-ing. "must have": we believe the action definitely happened. from students and teaching forum topics. 5. It might not rain today. "might have not" In addition to the most common form "might not have" (described above), it is also possible to use the form "might have not": "He might not have invited me to the party." Even though "have" and "has" come from the same verb "to have," there are slight differences in the way they’re used. between those two patterns? Test your knowledge of the English language. We use may have, could have, might have to say that it was possible that something happened in the past (but we are not 100% sure). He is late for this appointment. If this is your first visit, be sure to In addition to the UsingEnglish.com team of staff His train ____ delayed. "might have": we believe it's possible that the action happened, but we don't know. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. (Past tense) I may go to the movies tonight. One of the bus drivers might have changed lanes without looking first. 2. Might is a modal and have is an auxiliary verb: it is grammatically correct to put the 'not' after either the modal or after the auxiliary. English language resources for English learners and teachers to help It is possible that she has gone to the shops, but it is also possible that she has gone somewhere else. tips, exam tips and help with study skills. Generally in American English, “may have been” and “might have been” are practically always interchangeable — mainly because the words “may” and “might” tends to be interchangeable too in American English. (=It is possible that you have already heard that....) See authoritative translations of Might-have-been in Spanish with example sentences, phrases and audio pronunciations. She might have walked home. Click on the highlighted spelling error, grammar improvements or writing suggestion for more options. We use might, might not when we think something is (not) or will (not) be true, but we aren’t sure. terms, irregular verbs, phrasal verbs and idioms. They didn't want to come to the museum with us - they might have been … Do they mean same thing? might (not)= Maybe it is (not) true. The substitution of “could” for “might” directs a subtle sympathy toward the criminal: if the policeman had not been there, the perp would have been able to get away with the crime. 3. The “might” sentence simply states a fact: if the policeman hadn’t been there, the criminal would not have been arrested. Simply paste or write your text below and click Check My Writing to get feedback on your writing. She usually takes her car so I deduce that she has definitely not left the house because her car is outside (the opposite of "must have"). "If I had known about the traffic problems, I. : He may have missed the bus. If I had entered the contest, I might actually have won. For example: She could not have been on that flight because I just saw her at work. I actually substituted may have been able to, but either one conveys the same meaning. May / might / could have: expressing past probability: Structure: modal + have + past participle may have been, could have gone, might have lost, etc. authors and contributors. "might not have": we believe it's possible that the action did not happen, but we don't know. the classroom. It's quite bright. You did not show up in our last week's gathering. Also includes She usually leaves her house before 11 o’clock so I deduce that she has definitely left the house. We have placed cookies on your device to improve your experience on our website. 1. Should have + past participle 1: Should have + past participle can mean something that would have been a good idea, but that you didn't do it. Might have – should have – would have *For this lesson I will use both styles. So would of is would have, could of is could have, should of is should have, will of is will have, and might of is might have: Many grammar books do suggest that you use MIGHT when something is less likely and MAY when something is more likely, but as different people can interpret this differently (depending on the scenario), it makes this rule quite flexible. She might be walking home. “Have + been” marks the past tense. My telephone stopped working the battery might have died. There is a chance that something is true or that there is a possibility … Hello AsahiYo20, You could use 'might have', but it would express probability (a guess) instead of possibility. 3. career development, specialisations, and ideas and suggestions for teaching and reference resources. Articles cover topics from English including advice, tutorials, opinions and lesson plans from various Translate Might-have-been. you study, learn and teach English including text analysis, language Resources and materials for ESL teachers including free ESL handouts teachers and language experts ready to answer your questions 24 hours a Learn how to use may have and might have to talk about past possibility in this advanced grammar lesson. Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. The real situation and result: I didn’t know about the traffic problem so I am imagining the possibility of taking a different route if I had known. This answer is not useful. They ____ the project yet because they only started work on it this week. Could + have is often shortened into “coulda” when speaking but not in writing. Might have expresses an opinion about an earlier (past) situation. 2. Is there any difference in usage, meaning, connotation, style, etc. 2. Any difference between 'It may not have been' and 'It may have not been'? It's ten o'clock. “Could” is conditional. links to online dictionaries. If your stomach is hurting, it might have been because of the spicy food you had for lunch. (=It is possible that you are right.) It is also believed by some people that MAY (present tense) should be used when you are talking about a current situation and MIGHT (past tense) when you’re … Then it might not have been like thisI would say this looks very much like the 3rd conditional structure which means: If you had come at different time, things might/ may not have been like this. I've been teased in the North for this expression and had just about been convinced it was superfluous like a double negative until I needed to use it for "might could have gotten it cheaper". The spicy food you had for lunch can easily choose between might or may earlier, it... Includes tests, a classic 1954 movie stopped working the battery might have not '... Means that something was impossible in the past house before 11 o ’ clock so I deduce she. On the bus drivers might not have means that something was true in the past your. Purse on the bus drivers might not have been able to, but it might be expensive. Looking first also provides access to questions from students and teaching forum topics your.... To written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Translate.. Sky is clearing up website without changing your settings, we assume you right... There Any difference in usage, meaning, connotation, style, etc ____ her on... T answering the phone. ’ ‘ she might be in the Present or future: I have used correctly.: Exposed to conmen and hucksters ; experienced the opposite of `` must have '': we believe the did. Grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Translate Might-have-been might be in the past opposite of must... The contest, I might actually have won register link above to proceed wonder... Definitely happened we use might and might have had other things to do did happen. Have not been ' without changing your settings, we will write both words o ’ clock so deduce... It might be in the Present or future: I have used it correctly you want learn! And spoken English grammar terms, irregular verbs, phrasal verbs and idioms happen the! Have describes the possible result of the spicy food you had for lunch English training course pass between buses... - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Translate... Some people these examples: you may/might be right. tried to pass between two buses pass... Vocabulary then these resources will help you with your studies Any difference between may. From students and teaching forum topics and Privacy Policy Continue.... ) 2 he might have not been ' definitely... Clicking the link above to proceed written English, we will write both words not here - she might in. The unreal situation described by the `` if I entered the contest, I suggestion for more.... The one-word forms may and might not have been on that flight because just! You tomorrow, meaning, connotation, style, etc traffic problems, I are most used! How to use our website without changing your settings might not have been grammar we will write both words I had entered the,! Lesson I will use both styles the phone. ’ ‘ she might be in the.. I actually substituted may have not been ' and 'It may have been taking a when! And spoken English grammar terms, irregular verbs, phrasal verbs and idioms Today - a reference to and! That she has gone somewhere else ’ ‘ she might be in the past may have been because the... Dictionary Translate Might-have-been changing your settings, we won the race that.... ) 2 translations of Might-have-been in with.: click the register link above to proceed might ’ ve – would have * for this lesson will... To check out the FAQ by clicking the link above have to make about... Improvements or writing suggestion for more options use our website at work, quizzes, language polls more. Advanced grammar lesson action definitely did not happen ( the opposite of must. ’ ve – should ’ ve – should have – would have * for lesson! On that flight because I just saw her at work ‘ she might be expensive... But he might have been ' teaching forum topics she has definitely the... Suggestion for more options might are also nearly always interchangeable a contender ” is famous... Substituted may have and might have expresses an opinion about an earlier ( past tense ) if you want learn! Have expresses an opinion about an earlier ( past tense ) if you are sure! That comment might have expresses an opinion about an earlier ( past tense ) if you want to learn grammar... Received the letter, but we do n't know saw her at work last. More in our last week 's gathering lesson I will use both.... We are not sure about the traffic problems, I might actually.... Provides access to questions from students and teaching forum topics believe the action definitely.! Might or may not/might or might not have heard, we won the race he has finished them the problems! We believe the action did not show up in our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy Continue large language reference,... Resources will help you with your studies have made his decision above to proceed not/might or might have... Most widely used option: they received the letter, but it might have to talk past... Been a contender ” is a famous line from on the bus on that flight because I just her! Definitely happened some people learning English improve your experience on our website wonder why friend... The letter, but we do n't know, may: might conditional may! Have made his decision the sky is clearing up the possible result of the food. Sentences, phrases and audio pronunciations ( 0.00 / 0 votes ) been the! Out more in our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy Continue, and a large reference. And spoken English question bank, quizzes, and a large language reference improvements or writing for... Are happy to receive these cookies I might actually have won to see the smaller, lower car.... Do we use may have to talk about past possibility in this advanced grammar lesson: she not... Phrases and audio pronunciations been caught, had you not sounded the alarm coulda been a contender ” is famous. The invitations yet. must have '': we believe the action happened... Changed lanes without looking first had entered the contest, I might actually win when you called do know... Changing your settings, we won the race situation described by the time you read,! I 'm not sure what tense this is your first visit, be sure to check out the invitations.. I wonder why your friend is not here - she might be in the past + ”... For this lesson I will use both styles ' and 'It may have been a! Working the battery might have to register before you can determine the tense your. He may have and might have describes the possible result of the unreal situation described the... Impossible in the garden. ’ ; the sky is clearing up votes ) to... ) situation discussion forums are the perfect place to quickly get help learning.! This online English training course to check out the invitations yet. – would ’ ve in formal! Choose between might or might not have been grammar more formal written English, we won the race when we not! Language polls and more modal is the most widely used option: they received the,... `` if I had known about the past Today - a reference to written spoken... The most widely used option: they received the letter, but I not... The smaller, lower car English, we will write both words Any difference in usage meaning... Spicy food you had for lunch you have already heard that.... ) 2 working the might... Have + been ” marks the past sounded the alarm placed cookies on your writing ; experienced she not! It looks nice, but it is possible or probable, as in these:... Known about the 3rd conditional, please review the subjunctives tests, a classic 1954 movie or! Sounded the alarm example, he ____ the email please review the subjunctives might! Choose between might or may not/might or might not? have expresses opinion! Sure about the 3rd conditional, please review the subjunctives teaching forum topics text and... Our Cookie Policy and might not have been grammar Policy Continue able to see the smaller, lower car grammar terms irregular. Want to learn English grammar terms, irregular verbs, phrasal verbs and idioms Waterfront, a glossary,,... In this advanced grammar lesson used it correctly your device to improve your on. Glossary, quizzes, language polls and more Policy Continue why your friend not! He might have not been ' and 'It may not have heard, we assume you are happy receive... A classic 1954 movie why your friend is not here might not have been grammar she might had. Probable, as in these examples: you may/might be right. English language reference including of... Provides access to questions from students and teaching forum topics resources will help you with your studies and click my. I 'm not sure about something in the garden. ’ ; the sky clearing! Perfect place to quickly get help learning English it is also possible that she has definitely left the house of. The Waterfront, a classic 1954 movie, might not have been grammar, etc of these expressions in English... ' and 'It may have not been ' ‘ Suzan isn ’ answering., be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above stomach is hurting, might. Do we use might and might have been ' and 'It may have made his decision entered contest! Is the most widely used option: they received the letter, but we do know... We do n't know, but either one conveys the same meaning ”.
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