might have shown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might have shown" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a possibility or speculation about something that could have happened in the past. Example: "The evidence might have shown a different outcome if it had been presented earlier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many black community leaders contend those missing seconds might have shown that police provoked the attack.

The New York Times

Had the Knicks not acquired Jackson last week, they might have shown interest in Strickland.

The New York Times - Sports

If tickets had been $20, hundreds of fans might have shown up.

The New York Times - Arts

It had kept him occupied at the one time nerves might have shown.

The New Yorker

"I looked for something in him that might have shown remorse.

The New York Times

Or is it all particle physics experiments ever that might have shown up a weird result?

The Guardian

A more European perspective might have shown Weimar in a different light.

The New York Times - Books

A true referendum, fairly conducted, might have shown a significant number of Crimean voters in favor of joining Russia.

Stanford University

(Though some might have shown a little more humility. I name no names but Gordon Brown knows who he is).

The Guardian

A referendum might have shown there was the needed public support.

The New York Times

A trial might have shown Citigroup in an unflattering light even if it had won.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might have shown" to express speculation or possibility about a past action or state. This phrase adds a layer of uncertainty and is suitable when direct evidence is lacking.

Common error

Avoid using "might have shown" excessively without providing specific context or evidence. Overusing speculative phrases can weaken your argument and make your writing seem indecisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might have shown" functions as a modal verb construction used to express speculation or possibility regarding a past event or action. It indicates that something could have been revealed or demonstrated under different circumstances. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

23%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might have shown" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express speculation or possibility about a past event. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it suggests that something could have been revealed or demonstrated under different conditions. While alternatives like "could have indicated" or "may have revealed" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. When using "might have shown", ensure clear context and avoid overuse to maintain the strength of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could have indicated

Expresses a similar level of possibility but uses "indicated" instead of "shown".

may have revealed

Suggests a possibility of something being uncovered or made known.

might have revealed

Similar to "might have shown" but emphasizes the act of uncovering something previously unknown.

could have displayed

Focuses on the act of exhibiting something visually or tangibly.

may have suggested

Implies a hint or indirect indication rather than a direct demonstration.

might have demonstrated

Emphasizes a clear and convincing presentation of evidence.

could have evinced

Uses a more formal verb to express the act of showing or indicating something.

may have reflected

Suggests that something acted as a mirror or indication of something else.

might have proven

Implies a confirmation or validation of a fact or statement.

could have exposed

Highlights the act of uncovering or revealing something hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "might have shown" in a sentence?

The phrase "might have shown" expresses a possibility or speculation about a past action. For example, "The data "might have shown" a different result if more samples had been included."

What are some alternatives to "might have shown"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could have indicated", "may have revealed", or "might have revealed", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "might of shown" instead of "might have shown"?

No, "might of shown" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""might have shown"", where "have" is the auxiliary verb.

What's the difference between "might have shown" and "could have shown"?

While both express possibility, ""might have shown"" often suggests a slightly lower probability than "could have shown". The difference is subtle and context-dependent.