Might Modal Verb: Meaning, Uses and Examples
The modal verb might expresses possibility, tentative plans, hypothetical situations and gentle suggestions. Learn how to form sentences with might, compare it with may, listen to examples and test your knowledge.
What does might mean?
Might shows that something is possible but not certain. It might rain describes possible rain; I might go describes an uncertain plan.
She might come. — Her arrival is possible.
I might be wrong. — I am not completely sure.
If I had time, I might help. — A hypothetical possibility.
How to use might: sentence structure
Use might + the base form of the verb, without to. Might does not change for different subjects: say he might come, not he might comes.
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | subject + might + verb | She might call. |
| Negative | subject + might not + verb | He might not come. |
| Question (rare and formal) | Might + subject + verb? | Might I ask a question? |
Note: Questions with might sound very formal. In everyday conversation, Could I…? or May I…? is more natural.
Might for possibility
Use might to say that something is possible, but not certain.
- It might rain tomorrow.
- They might be at the park.
- I might go out tonight.
Might in conditional sentences
Might can describe a possible result in an imagined situation.
- If I had more time, I might learn Spanish.
- If she studied more, she might pass.
Might for gentle suggestions
Use might want to or might consider to make advice less direct.
- You might want to take a break.
- You might consider calling her.
Might vs may: what is the difference?
Both modal verbs express possibility and can often be used interchangeably. Might can sound more tentative or hypothetical, but it does not always mean a lower probability than may.
It may rain later. — A possible event.
It might rain later. — Also a possible event, sometimes more tentative.
May I…? is a polite way to ask permission. Might I…? is much less common and sounds very formal. See also how to use may.
Might have: talking about the past
Use might have + past participle to guess about something that possibly happened.
- She might have forgotten.
- They might have missed the bus.
Might have done refers to a possible past event; might do describes a present or future possibility.
Might in sentences: examples and pronunciation
Select the speaker button to listen to each sentence.
A possible event in the future.
A guess about her present location.
An uncertain plan.
Perhaps he does not know.
A gentle suggestion.
A hypothetical situation.
A guess about something in the past.
A possible ability or opportunity.
Might: interactive grammar quiz
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Frequently asked questions about might
What does might mean?
Might is a modal verb used for possibility, tentative plans and gentle suggestions.
When do we use might?
Use it when something is possible but uncertain, or when describing a hypothetical result.
What does “I might” mean?
It introduces an uncertain plan: I might go means going is possible, not decided.
What is the difference between might and may?
Both express possibility. Might can sound more tentative, but it does not always mean a lower probability.
Can we say “he might”?
Yes: He might come. Use the base verb after might.
Is “be might” correct?
Normally no. The correct order is might be, as in She might be tired.
What does “might have” mean?
Might have + past participle expresses a possible past event, such as He might have left.