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.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 06, 2024 • 14757 views

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.

"must have stolen it"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 11, 2024

May 8, 2017 ... Active - Someone must have stolen it. Passive - It must have been stolen. Learn more about passive sentences like this in our Grammar Snack ...
Jun 18, 2024 ... ... must have stolen it and to open a request? Sounds like he changed his mind about selling it at that price or something to me.. I'm just ...
Someone must have stolen it! I felt hurt and disappointed. How could anyone do such a thing? It didn't take us long to try a call to the line. I ...
4 days ago ... You hypothesize that your dog must have stolen it and ate it. The fact that this explains why your dog is hiding behind the couch means that ...
Sep 25, 2024 ... I made this remark on Twitter recently, and I'm pretty sure I must have stolen it from somewhere, but I can't find where.
Dec 14, 2010 ... The serial number on the pistol was checked and it had been stolen from HANSON's brother who explained that HANSON must have stolen it from ...
Oct 18, 2024 ... Someone must have stolen it.” Andy's touch was gentle as he took her by the shoulders and turned her towards the house. “It's all right ...
Dec 2, 2019 ... She was unfrienddly to say the least, and tried to tell me that someone in my party must have stolen it, and there was nothing else I could ...
Jan 29, 2017 ... ... must have stolen it. Result: declaration of "Carer X stole my bracelet!" That's not as good as the one I read, but you get the idea. If the ...

Alternatives:

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

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

"might have stolen it"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 11, 2024

May 15, 2013 ... The correct sentence is "Who might have stolen it." and that is how I would pronounce is. I'm curious asvr - does your software give any ...
Jul 18, 2024 ... ... might have stolen it. Now on the tracking it says sorry the parcel is late, it will be here by the 19th, but when I click tracking details ...
Apr 8, 2022 ... Citibank is Holding my $24k Hostage or They Might Have Stolen it for No Reason - Help. Other. I've had a checking and savings bank account ...
Jun 1, 2016 ... There's a lot of buzz about a possible ninth planet hiding way out beyond Neptune. Well, if planet nine exists, our sun might have stolen it ...
Nov 11, 2022 ... As mentioned in the title. I have misplaced my laptop but I think someone might have stolen it. When I try use Find my device it first say ...
Aug 27, 2011 ... So grateful for your friendship, B&G! Confession : if I thought that Kate's pink tutu bathing suit would fit me, I might have stolen it.
Aug 20, 2012 ... It was so beautiful once it was done I couldn't help putting my dishes in there and taking some pictures to share! I might have stolen it if I ...
Nov 2, 2011 ... Not sure about the name, I think I might have stolen it from somewhere. If not, I can think of several stories that use characters with ...
Feb 1, 1994 ... We don't look like Dartmouth students: Even the one wearing the varsity sweater looks like she might have stolen it at gunpoint. We were, as ...

Alternatives:

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

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

must have stolen it vs might have stolen it

"must have stolen it"

"might have stolen it"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text