might

might — modal verb

1. the past-tense form of 'may', used in sentences that report what someone said, t

1.modal verbB1
Definition

the past-tense form of 'may', used in sentences that report what someone said, thought, or asked at an earlier time

Example

Darius said he might come to the party after his shift ended.

might + base verb in reported speech

Apinya asked if she might borrow the car for the weekend.

might as polite past-tense request in reported speech

Common collocations
  • might come
  • might be
  • might have
Synonyms
  • could

    less formal, and often suggests a past ability rather than permission

  • was allowed to

    states explicit permission rather than mere possibility

Grammar Patterns

might + base verb

might have + past participle

Usage Note

Only this sense functions as the past equivalent of 'may'. In other senses, 'might' expresses a different degree of possibility or politeness rather than past time.

Common Mistakes

He said he might comes tomorrow.
He said he might come tomorrow.
after 'might', always use the base form of the verb, never an -s or -ed form.
She might went to the store.
She might have gone to the store.
for past events, use 'might have + past participle', not 'might + past tense'.

2. used to show that something is possible but not certain — for example, when gues

2.modal verbA2
Definition

used to show that something is possible but not certain — for example, when guessing about the weather, someone's location, or a future event

Example

It might rain later, so take an umbrella just in case.

might + base verb for uncertain future event

Ignacio might be at the library if he is not at home.

might be + location for current possibility

Common collocations
  • might be
  • might have
  • might not
Synonyms
  • may

    similar meaning but slightly more formal; 'may' suggests a somewhat higher probability

  • could

    also expresses possibility but is more natural in casual conversation

Antonyms
  • cannot

    expresses certainty that something is not possible

Grammar Patterns

might + base verb

might be + noun/adjective

might have + past participle

Usage Note

Use 'might' when the likelihood is lower than with 'may'. Many speakers use 'might' and 'may' interchangeably for possibility, but 'might' generally suggests a slightly weaker chance.

Common Mistakes

It might to rain.
It might rain.
do not add 'to' after 'might'.
He might arrives soon.
He might arrive soon.
the verb after 'might' is always in the base form.

3. a polite way to ask for permission, more careful and respectful than 'may' or 'c

3.modal verbB1
Definition

a polite way to ask for permission, more careful and respectful than 'may' or 'can'

Example

Might I borrow your pen for a moment, please?

might I + base verb for polite request

Theo wondered if he might use the office phone to call a taxi.

wondered if he might + base verb (indirect request)

Common collocations
  • might I
  • if I might
  • wondered if I might
Synonyms
  • may

    less formal than 'might' for permission, but still polite

  • could

    common in spoken English for polite requests, less formal

Grammar Patterns

might I + base verb

if I might + base verb

Usage Note

This sense is quite formal. In everyday conversation, most English speakers use 'can' or 'may' instead. Reserve 'might' for very polite written requests or formal situations.

Common Mistakes

Might I to open the window?
Might I open the window?
do not insert 'to' between 'might' and the main verb.

4. used to offer a gentle suggestion or recommend a possible course of action

4.modal verbB1
Definition

used to offer a gentle suggestion or recommend a possible course of action

Example

You might try turning the computer off and then on again.

you might + base verb for a suggestion

Mira thought they might take the train instead of driving through traffic.

Common collocations
  • might try
  • might want to
  • might consider
Synonyms
  • could

    less tentative and more direct in suggestions

  • should

    stronger than 'might' — expresses a recommendation, not just a suggestion

Grammar Patterns

you might + base verb

might want to + base verb

might consider + -ing verb

Common Mistakes

You might to try this restaurant.
You might try this restaurant.
do not add 'to' after 'might'.

5. expresses a feeling of irritation when someone behaves in a way you find inconsi

5.modal verbB2
Definition

expresses a feeling of irritation when someone behaves in a way you find inconsiderate or disappointing

Example

You might have told me you would be late for dinner tonight.

might have + past participle for past criticism

Asher might at least say thank you after receiving a lovely gift.

Common collocations
  • might have
  • might at least
  • might try
Synonyms
  • could

    more common in American English for expressing annoyance (e.g., 'You could have told me')

Grammar Patterns

might + base verb (showing annoyance)

might have + past participle (for past criticism)

Usage Note

This sense carries a tone of irritation. It is most common in British English. In American English, speakers often use 'could' with the same critical tone.

6. used to admit that one thing is true before introducing a point that seems to co

6.modal verbB2
Definition

used to admit that one thing is true before introducing a point that seems to contradict or balance it

Example

Noor might not have much money, but she is very generous with her time.

might not … but … — concessive contrast

That film might be old, but it still tells a powerful story.

Common collocations
  • might … but
  • might … yet
  • might not … but
Synonyms
  • may

    can replace 'might' in this pattern with the same concessive meaning, e.g. 'It may be old, but…'

Grammar Patterns

might … but …

might … yet …

Usage Note

This sense always follows a '… but …' or '… yet …' structure. The first clause concedes a point, and the second clause introduces a contrary or surprising fact.

Common Mistakes

It might be expensive, so it is high quality.
It might be expensive, but it is high quality.
use 'but' or 'yet', not 'so', after the contrastive 'might'.
Idioms

may/might (just) as well do something

idiom

Used to suggest that an action is the most sensible choice in the current situation, even if it is not ideal.

Since the store is closing, we might as well buy the discounted shoes.

If you're already waiting, you may as well grab a coffee.

might — noun

Word family

  • may
    modal verbA2
  • mighty
    adjectiveB2
  • almighty
    adjectiveC1
  • mightiness
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: modal verb/2

All four modals can express possibility, but they differ in certainty and register. 'May' suggests a roughly even chance — it is neutral and slightly formal: 'It may rain this afternoon.' 'Might' lowers the probability, implying something is possible but not very likely: 'It might rain, but I doubt it.' 'Could' is more informal and often indicates a hypothetical or theoretical possibility: 'It could rain — you never know in spring.' 'Can' expresses general or factual possibility rather than a specific event: 'It can rain a lot in this region.' For past possibility, use 'might have' or 'could have' (not 'may have', which is rare), and for negative possibility, 'might not' and 'may not' work, but 'could not' and 'cannot' express impossibility. In everyday speech, the differences are subtle, and many native speakers use 'might' and 'may' interchangeably for possibility.

may ↗might ↗could ↗can ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • with all one's might
  • the might of

Adverbs

  • might well
  • might easily
  • might possibly
  • might just

Phrases

  • might as well
  • might … but …
  • might have

Etymology

Old EnglishGermanicEnglish

The word 'might' comes from Old English 'miht' or 'meaht', which was the past-tense form of the verb 'magan' (meaning 'to be able' or 'to have power'). This Germanic root is related to Old High German 'maht' and Gothic 'mahts'. Over time, 'might' developed from a past-tense form of ability into a modal verb expressing possibility, permission, and politeness. The noun 'might' (meaning 'strength' or 'power') preserved the older sense of ability and force, while the modal uses branched off into more abstract meanings.