i thought it could be costly. vs i thought it can be costly.

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I thought it could be costly.' is more commonly used and implies a past uncertainty about the cost. 'I thought it can be costly.' is also correct but less common, and it implies a present or future uncertainty about the cost.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 893 views

i thought it could be costly.

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express past uncertainty about the cost.

This phrase is used to convey a past thought or belief about the potential cost of something, with a sense of uncertainty.

Examples:

I thought it could be costly, so I decided not to buy it.
She thought it could be costly, but it turned out to be quite affordable.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was worried because I thought it could be costly repairs and the next day Arif contacted me, he was very calm and assured me that he would keep me updated ...

Alternatives:

I thought it might be costly.
I thought it would be costly.
I thought it was going to be costly.
I thought it was likely to be costly.
I thought it was possible that it could be costly.

i thought it can be costly.

This phrase is correct but less common. It implies a present or future uncertainty about the cost.

This phrase is used to express a current or future thought or belief about the potential cost of something, with a sense of uncertainty.

Examples:

I thought it can be costly, so I'm being careful with my spending.
She thought it can be costly, but she's still considering buying it.

Alternatives:

I think it can be costly.
I believe it can be costly.
I assume it can be costly.
I suspect it can be costly.
I imagine it can be costly.

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i thought it could be costly. vs i thought it can be costly.