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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. However, '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.
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Explained by Jennifer
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Last updated: October 06, 2024 • 14601 views

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.
  • Someone must have stolen it! might/may/could + perfect infinitive. We use might, may or could with the perfect infinitive to say that we think something was ...
  • Someone must have stolen it last night. Check Show a letter. Show answer. They should have answered my call right away. Check Show a letter. Show answer.
  • Apr 8, 2015 ... The family's last trip to their cabin was March 21, so all Hempel knows is that someone must have stolen it during those two and a half weeks.
  • Someone must have stolen it. 11. Clara was very upset with you yesterday. You should have apologised for saying she was lazy. 12. John has forgotton about ...

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.
  • Dec 3, 2010 ... At this point, the manager says there is no way he can do that because I might have stolen it. This is the part that really bothers me. He kept ...
  • might have stolen it. ? could have stolen it. ? must have stolen it. ? must be stealing it. I don't know why he hasn't called me back. He ...
  • Jul 27, 2015 ... Watch ❤️Born A Honeymooner❤️'s Vine "My cousin Natalie Told Me She Made this I don't know??? She might have stolen it apologies if you ...
  • Someone might have stolen it. Somebody may have taken it. I could have dropped it. Grammar note: When modals are used to talk about past events, the modal ...

Alternatives:

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

Related Comparisons

you should have seen it vs you must have seen it should have made it vs shaould not have made should have made it vs shaould have never made shaould have make vs should have made it should have eaten it vs must have eaten it have it vs do it

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