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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

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