might

Formsmight

Pluralmights

Formsmighter, mightest

1. 1
   perhapsverbauxiliary

   Possibility or conditional action, 'would perhaps' ('I might go to a party, but I haven't decided yet'); weaker and more tentative than 'may'.

   We might see them at the market.

   The plan might work if we start early.

   UsageFollowed by a bare verb: might go (not incorrect: might to go). For the past, use might have + past participle.

   Similarmay

   Note

   Here a past form does present work. Old English meahte was a past tense of magan, yet "I might go" points to now or later. The step back in tense becomes a step back in confidence, which is why it sits just below may, its nearest synonym. Joseph Hall in 1608 sets it against should: what one might do is not what one ought to do. Source

   Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts

   • Old English meahte was a past-tense form of magan. en.wiktionary.org
   • Joseph Hall's relevant work was published in 1608, as shown by its reproduced original title page. extra.shu.ac.uk
   • Hall contrasts what an honest man might do with what he should do. extra.shu.ac.uk
2. 2
   in indirect speechverbauxiliary

   Simple past of may: reported permission or possibility, past possibility, and old-style purpose.

   She said she might be late.

   They worked hard so that their children might have a better life.

   UsageCommon in reported speech (said she might, asked if he might) and after so that.

   Note

   May takes this form in reported speech and in older purpose clauses, and it keeps its parent's defective grammar. Behind it stands may's obsolete meaning "to be able," which is why "a Briton might be hanged for stealing an egg" describes what could happen then rather than what was permitted. Source

   Checked 2 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

   • Might occurs as the past counterpart of may in purpose clauses. en.wikipedia.org
   • May formerly meant 'to be able.' en.wiktionary.org
   • The Briton example illustrates past possibility or typical occurrence rather than permission. en.wiktionary.org
3. 3
   althoughverbauxiliary

   Used, like 'although', to admit one thing before making a more important point.

   It might be old, but it still runs.

   She might be new here, but she knows the job.

   UsageUsually followed by a but clause: might be old, but still useful.

   Similarmay

   Note

   The first clause grants a fact, often about the speaker, and the second carries the real claim: "I might play football, but I do know how to read." Nothing is actually in doubt despite the modal.

4. 4
   strong hintverbUKauxiliary

   Used as an understatement for what is certain or strongly advised.

   We might just have a problem here.

   You might like to sit down for this news.

   UsageOften you might want to or you might like to + verb, a polite way to give advice.

   Similarmay

   Note

   British understatement can hide a plain fact behind a modal. "We might need something a bit sturdier" means the present thing has clearly failed. The softeners around it, such as I think and a bit, are part of the signal rather than real hedging. A listener unused to British habits may hear genuine doubt, so read the situation, not the modal.

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