"i thought you could read" vs "i thought you might read."

Question

"i thought you could read" vs "i thought you might read."

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'I thought you could read' implies that the person had the ability to read in the past, while 'I thought you might read' suggests a possibility or likelihood of reading in the future. The choice between the two depends on the context and the intended meaning.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to express a belief or assumption about someone's ability to read in the past. It indicates that the person was expected to have the skill of reading.

Examples:

I thought you could read when you were younger.
She thought he could read music notes.
They thought I could read their minds.
We thought he could read the signs.
He thought she could read his handwriting.

Alternatives:

I thought you were able to read
I thought you knew how to read

This phrase is used to express a belief or assumption about someone's potential future action of reading. It indicates a possibility that the person may read.

Examples:

I thought you might read the book I recommended.
She thought he might read the article later.
They thought I might read the report before the meeting.
We thought he might read the instructions before assembling the furniture.
He thought she might read the email he sent.

Alternatives:

I thought you may read
I thought you would read

Answer 1

i thought you could read

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It implies that the person had the ability to read in the past.

Answer 2

i thought you might read.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It suggests a possibility or likelihood of reading in the future.

"i thought you could read" vs "i thought you might read."

i thought you could read

i thought you might read.

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