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He could be a thief. vs He can be a thief.

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'He could be a thief' implies a possibility or likelihood based on a condition or situation, while 'He can be a thief' suggests a general ability or capability. The choice between 'could' and 'can' depends on whether you are talking about a potential action based on circumstances or a general trait or capability.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 894 views

He could be a thief.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a possibility or likelihood based on a condition or situation.

This phrase is used to suggest a potential action or behavior based on certain circumstances. It implies a likelihood or possibility.

Examples:

  • If he lost his job, he could be a thief.
  • With his background, he could be a thief.
  • Dec 19, 2014 ... "But my son is my son, he could be a thief or whatever and I am never going to abandon him. I'll never turn my back on him." On Wednesday ...
  • Feb 14, 2015 ... We don't have to be on the hunt to kill him, he could be a thief or something, like he stole the Koh-i-Noor or something, and we go on a mission ...
  • Nov 25, 2012 ... The man I met on the beach yesterday seemed friendly, but he could be a thief, for all I know. For all I know, the girl was buried alive in the ...
  • “We said there is no way he could be a thief,” one neighbor recalled. “He's just like the rest of us.” A few months ago, while the 33-year-old Becker was still out on ...

Alternatives:

  • he might be a thief.
  • he may be a thief.
  • he is likely a thief.
  • he is possibly a thief.
  • he is probably a thief.

He can be a thief.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to suggest a general ability or capability.

This phrase is used to indicate a general trait or capability of someone. It suggests that the person has the ability to act as a thief.

Examples:

  • He can be a thief if he wants to.
  • In certain situations, he can be a thief.
  • Yes, you can indeed use a character that ordinarily we wouldn't like much. He can be a thief. She can be a hooker. The kid can be a racist. And by the end of the ...
  • When his patience wears out, however, he can be a thief, stealing household item such as towels or tools, and stashing them away. As some PON owners say,  ...
  • Aug 11, 2014 ... He can be a thief but his message resonates with the people's expectations. of responsible and servitude leadership. What's wrong with a ...
  • He can be a thief because there are honest people. Because there are honest people and there are those who exploit these honest people, he can steal (from ...

Alternatives:

  • he is able to be a thief.
  • he has the capacity to be a thief.
  • he possesses the ability to be a thief.
  • he is capable of being a thief.
  • he has the potential to be a thief.

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