Complete use of might

Might is a modal auxiliary verb that is often used to talk about the possibility of a situation. In this post, we will learn all the different usages of might in English.

1. To talk about an obligation/necessity

We use might to talk about the possibility of a situation. The speaker does not feel positive about the possibility of the situation using might; might refers to a weak possibility.

Examples:

• Jon might accept our offer and join the team.
• I might start giving classes soon.
• My father might ask you questions about what happened last night at the party.
• I did not tell the cops anything. Rohan might have done that. (past)
• He was not talking to anyone yesterday. He might have been ill.
• She might not come to the party tonight.

2. To give suggestion/advice

We often use might to give a suggestion. But the suggestion is not straight or direct here; using might to give suggestions or advice sounds very polite.

Examples:

• You might want to join us tonight since you have nothing to do.
• He might want to watch this movie. It is one of the best movies I have watched.
• He might not want to leave this opportunity. Most people are dying to get this.
• You might like to try this drink. Most people love it.

• Tom: I am going to fail this exam. What should I do?
• Jerry: You might want to talk to Ashish. He can help you pass the exam.

3. To make a request

Might is used to make formal requests or ask for a permission. It is a very formal word for making a request and is often not used in modern English.

Examples:

• Might I sit on your seat for some time?
• Might we borrow your car for a day?
• Might I interrupt you and show you something?

NOTE: we answer the request using might with the modal can or could.

• Max: Might I use your phone for a moment?
• Akshay: Yes, you might. ❌

• Max: Might I use your phone for a moment?
• Akshay: Yes, you can/could. ✔️

• Max: Might I borrow your bike?
• Akshay: No, you can’t. ✔️

4. In indirect speech

May is changed into might in the indirect speech.

Examples:

• Direct: Rohan said, “She may be upset with you.”
• Indirect: Rohan said that she might be upset with me.

• Direct: He told me, “Riya may call you tonight.”
• Indirect: He told me that Riya might call me that night.

5. Conditional sentences

Might is used in conditional sentences to show the possibility of a situation.

Examples:

• If you spoke English fluently, they might give you this job.
• If my parents don’t come back home today, I might join you tonight.
• If I did have an exam tomorrow, I might play with you.
• If they had increased my package, I might have worked there longer.