Jooney Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Might have been more careful
Hi,
I have a question about one of the meanings of 'might have'.
Mary: Yesterday I told Sora that she had a moon face, and she got really upset.
John: She must have thought you were rude. You might have been/should have been more careful when you made a comment about her appearance.
The answer is 'should have been'.
But I think 'might have been' can be the answer as well: sometimes might and could are used in a tone of rebuke in such a remark as "You might have let me know the boss was in a bad mood."(It would have been possible for you to let me know, but in fact you didn't)
What's your opinion on this? Any answers would be appreciated.
I have a question about one of the meanings of 'might have'.
Mary: Yesterday I told Sora that she had a moon face, and she got really upset.
John: She must have thought you were rude. You might have been/should have been more careful when you made a comment about her appearance.
The answer is 'should have been'.
But I think 'might have been' can be the answer as well: sometimes might and could are used in a tone of rebuke in such a remark as "You might have let me know the boss was in a bad mood."(It would have been possible for you to let me know, but in fact you didn't)
What's your opinion on this? Any answers would be appreciated.
Top answer
Hi, I agree with you. Clive
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CliveHi, I agree with you. ClivePlease could you kindly explain the difference between the two??? I usually use only "should have" instead of "might have"
Thanks
Pamela
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Should is the more common choice it this sentence.
Might can also work. However, I will most certainly choose should have been(since its a multiple choice question).
I would only pick might have been more careful - when I add something like this:
You might have been more careful if you have known about her bad temper.
Might can also work. However, I will most certainly choose should have been(since its a multiple choice question).
I would only pick might have been more careful - when I add something like this:
You might have been more careful if you have known about her bad temper.
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Hi,
"You might have let me know" is a milder, more indirect rebuke than "You should have let me know".
Clive
"You might have let me know" is a milder, more indirect rebuke than "You should have let me know".
Clive
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