Might for Possibility
Use might with a base verb to express uncertain present or future possibility.
Learning Objective
Might for Possibility
Use might in affirmative and negative clauses to express uncertain present or future possibility.
Clear Explanation
Might expresses that something is possible but not certain. It is followed by the base form of the verb and does not change for different subjects.
Form and Structure
subject + might / might not + base verb
“It might rain later.”
May and might often overlap. Might can sound slightly more tentative, but the difference depends on context and should not be treated as an absolute scale.
Meaning and Use
Uncertain possibility
Might shows that the speaker considers an event possible.
“She might be at home.”
Negative possibility
Might not means that it is possible something will not happen.
“The shop might not be open.”
No -s or to
The form stays the same with every subject and is followed by a bare infinitive.
“He might call tonight.”
Common Errors and Meaning Traps
She mights come later.
She might come later.
Modal verbs do not take third-person -s.
They might to leave early.
They might leave early.
Use the base verb without to after might.
He doesn't might agree.
He might not agree.
Form the negative with might not, not with doesn’t.
Guided Practice
Use the grammar in context
“Ravi might not attend the meeting.”
“We might take the earlier train.”
Make three cautious predictions about tomorrow using might or might not.
Quick Recap
Might expresses that something is possible but not certain. It is followed by the base form of the verb and does not change for different subjects.
Might shows that the speaker considers an event possible.
May and might often overlap. Might can sound slightly more tentative, but the difference depends on context and should not be treated as an absolute scale.
Modal verbs do not take third-person -s.
Independent Mastery Check
Complete these four checks before taking the quiz. If one feels difficult, return to the matching section and try again.
Explain the core rule in your own words without looking back at the lesson.
Find the target form in “It might rain later.” and explain what it communicates in this context.
Explain why “She might come later.” is the recommended revision for “She mights come later.”.
Make three cautious predictions about tomorrow using might or might not.
Related Grammar Lessons
Aim for at least 5 out of 6 in the quiz below. For every missed answer, read the explanation, return to the relevant section, and try the quiz again.
Which statement best explains Might for Possibility?
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