could/might

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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azz
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could/might

Post by azz »

a. When he was drunk, he was unpredictable. He could do anything.
b. When he was drunk, he was unpredictable. He might do anything.


Are both of the above grammatically correct?
Do they mean the same?

Many thanks
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Alan
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Re: could/might

Post by Alan »

The sentences in (b) do not correlate.

'Might' (in a main clause) normally refers to a possible PRESENT/FUTURE act or event, not a past one.
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