must have stolen it vs might have stolen it

Both phrases are correct, but they convey different levels of certainty. 'Must have stolen it' implies a high degree of certainty that the theft occurred, while 'might have stolen it' suggests a possibility or likelihood but not a certainty. The choice between the two depends on the speaker's level of confidence in the statement.

Last updated: March 17, 2024

must have stolen it

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a high level of certainty about an action that took place in the past.

This phrase is used to indicate a strong belief or conclusion that something was done in the past. It implies a high level of certainty.

Examples:

He must have stolen it because it was in his possession.
She must have stolen the money from the safe last night.
They must have stolen the car keys to take the car for a joyride.
The cat must have stolen the fish from the kitchen counter.
The thief must have stolen the jewelry during the night.

Alternatives:

definitely stole it
certainly stole it
undoubtedly stole it
clearly stole it
absolutely stole it

might have stolen it

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a possibility or likelihood that an action took place in the past.

This phrase is used to suggest a possibility or likelihood that something was done in the past. It implies less certainty compared to 'must have stolen it.'

Examples:

He might have stolen it when no one was looking.
She might have stolen the cookies from the jar.
They might have stolen the missing items from the store.
The dog might have stolen the bone from the table.
The suspect might have stolen the car to escape.

Alternatives:

could have stolen it
may have stolen it
possibly stole it
potentially stole it
likely stole it

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must have stolen it vs might have stolen it