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i thought he might be busy. vs i thought he may be busy.

Both phrases are correct and can be used interchangeably. They both express the same idea of thinking that someone is busy. The choice between 'might' and 'may' is a matter of personal preference, since both are commonly used in this context.
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Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 09, 2024 • 20163 views

i thought he might be busy.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express a past thought about someone possibly being busy. 'Might' is a modal verb indicating a possibility or likelihood.
  • Dec 15, 2010 ... So I thought he might be busy. So I'll wait until the next day. And still nothing. So I texted him around 1pm and still didn't get a reply. :/ Could he ...
  • Feb 3, 2015 ... Today i did not disturb Vickrham Vicky because last night he lost his uncle ( His friends father expired ) so i thought he might be busy with the ...
  • But one day he didn't come I thought he might be busy with something. And the days passed away I couldn't see him. I thought he is fed up of coming after me.
  • I walked by his office one day and the door was open and I didn't speak as I thought he might be busy. He was not to busy to call me back and ask why I didn't  ...

Alternatives:

  • I thought he could be busy.
  • I thought he might have been busy.
  • I thought he might not be busy.
  • I thought he might have had other plans.
  • I thought he might have forgotten.

i thought he may be busy.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is also used to express a past thought about someone possibly being busy. 'May' is another modal verb indicating a possibility or permission.
  • ... also not understanding. i tried to Call director, but he was busy and not responding my call. i thought he may be busy due to new secretary joining the office.
  • Al Dente Wanchai in Jaffe Road became the 3rd restaurant in the group. Hoping to capitalize on the enormous success of its sister restaurant in Soho, Al Dente ...

Alternatives:

  • I thought he may have been busy.
  • I thought he may not be busy.
  • I thought he may have had other plans.
  • I thought he may have forgotten.
  • I thought he may have misunderstood.

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