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"I thought he might be busy" vs "I thought he could be busy"

Both phrases are correct and can be used interchangeably. They express the same idea that the speaker had a belief or assumption about someone's busyness in the past.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

I thought he might be busy

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express a past assumption or belief about someone's busyness. 'Might' indicates a possibility or likelihood.

Examples:

  • I thought he might be busy, so I didn't call him.
  • She thought he might be busy with work.

Alternatives:

  • I thought he could be busy
  • I thought he may be busy
  • I thought he might have been busy
  • I thought he could have been busy
  • I thought he may have been busy

I thought he could be busy

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is also used to express a past assumption or belief about someone's busyness. 'Could' suggests a possibility or ability.

Examples:

  • I thought he could be busy, so I didn't disturb him.
  • She thought he could be busy with his family.

Alternatives:

  • I thought he might be busy
  • I thought he may be busy
  • I thought he might have been busy
  • I thought he could have been busy
  • I thought he may have been busy

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