#210: 7 Expert Ways to Use ‘Might’ in English [English Modal Verb]

Did you know the English modal verb ‘might’ can be used to: 

7 Expert Ways to Use the English Modal ‘Might’

LESSON SUMMARY

To make a prediction

• We use “might” to make predictions of events that are highly likely to occur.
• In this case, “might” is often followed by an infinitive without the word “to” 
  • Ex. It might rain tonight. Remember to take your umbrella.
  • Our boss might be displeased if we don’t submit the proposals on time.

To suggest a possibility

• Did you know that might can be used to suggest a possibility in the past, present or future? 
• Let’s look at some examples of each:
  • Dr. Kang might be available on the 26th.
  • The interview might be postponed if there are technical difficulties. 
  • The manager might not receive your email in time.

• • However, we also use “might” to express that a seemingly impossible event/thing has a decent shot ( = a good likelihood of succeeding); we often use ‘just’ with might for this meaning
    • We just might be able to finish the meeting early.
    • That just might be the solution to our problem!

• • Similarly, we use “might” to express the possibility of a past event.
    • You might have left your sunglasses on the beach. 
    • The salesperson might have accidentally charged you twice for the shirt. 

To express a lack of alternatives/a last resort

( = a final course of action, used only when all else has failed)

• • We can use might to express that there is only one course of action. To do this, we use the phrase “might as well”. 
    • The movie doesn’t start until 9 PM; we might as well eat dinner and come back.
    • We might as well begin planning next week’s team meeting, since we’re ahead of schedule.

To make a suggestion or express an obligation

• • “Might” is a powerful word for politely suggesting something and for implying that someone is obligated to do something. 
    • Let’s say you’re looking to move into a new apartment. You ask your friend for advice and she says:
      • • You might want to take some time to think about the apartment before you rent it. 
        • You might want to discuss the details with your family before you decide.
        • It might be wise to do some more research before you share your ideas.

To Pose Questions 

• • To Brainstorm Solutions/Strategies
  • We can use “might” in a question to kickstart a brainstorming session
    • How might we reduce our expenses? 
    • What might be the best way to approach this client?

• • To ask for permission
    • Might I interrupt you for a moment? 

• • To simply ask a question
    • I was wondering if you might be interested in joining the team?

To express frustration/sarcasm

• • We can express negative emotions by using a falling intonation with “might questions”. 
    • Ex. If you’re attempting to schedule a conversation with a contractor/doctor/lawyer, but their staff keeps giving you the runaround ( = difficult or awkward treatment, especially in which someone is evasive or avoids a question), you might express frustration when you say “Well, what time might that be?”
    • If someone continuously expresses outlandish ideas, you may feel frustrated and challenge them by asking, “How exactly might you be planning to do that?”

To create a conditional

• • We can also use might to express that something has/had the possibility of occurring as a result of another event
    • • I might’ve passed the bar exam if I had studied a little more. 
      • If she’s punctual every day, she might not get fired. 
      • The event might not have been a success, had you not found a venue at the last minute.

Now it’s time for challenge quiz! How would you use ‘might’ to answer these questions:

1. What might you be doing if you hadn’t pursued a career in your current field? 
2. The pandemic has been an eye-opening experience. How might someone manage stress and maintain good mental health? 
3. Why might someone choose to learn English online instead of in a physical classroom?

The best place to practice and share is in the comment section below.

Have a fantastic Confident English Wednesday!

~ Annemarie

P.S. Are you looking for a community to provide support, help you stay motivated, and guarantee that you grow? Check out our Confident Women Community.

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