Modal verb
The modal verb might
might · never changes
B1Meaning: used to say something is possible, not certain · Type: modal
Key points to remember
- Modal verb of uncertain possibility
- Same form for everyone:
I/you/he/she/we/they might - Weaker than may: a little less likely
- Negative:
might notormightn't
Conjugation of the modal verb might
Modal verbs never change: the same form for I / you / he / she / it / we / they, no -s in the 3rd person, and no to before the next verb.
Affirmative
subject + might + base form
- It might rain.
- She might come later.
Negative
subject + might not / mightn't
- He might not agree.
- They might not be home.
Question
might + subject + base form?
- Might I suggest something?
- Might she be late?
Might is a little less likely than may. The short form mightn't exists, but it is rare.
How to use might
1. Talking about a possibility (not sure)
Might + base form: it is possible, but you are not sure.
- It might rain.
- She might come.
2. Imagining a situation
With if and an imaginary situation, might means “would perhaps”.
- If I won the lottery, I might travel.
3. Giving advice politely
You might want to… is a polite way to suggest something.
- You might want to try this.
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Might = less likely than may
It may rain (quite likely). It might rain (possible, but less sure). In everyday English, people often use them in the same way.
2. Might have + past participle
For a guess about the past: She might have left = perhaps she left. You are not sure what happened.
3. It might to rain ❌
After a modal verb, never use to: It might rain ✓, It might to rain ✗. Never add -s either: She might come, not She mights come.
Going further
Conjugating to might is a key skill in the English contest
Every year, the Big Challenge tests the key English verbs. Register your students so they can check their level in a real contest.
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Related pages: might
Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use might in English?+
Might shows that something is possible, but you are not sure: It might rain this afternoon. It is a little weaker than may. After might, use the base form of the verb (no to, no -s).
What is the difference between may and might?+
May = a possibility that is a little more likely. Might = a possibility that is less certain. It may rain (quite possible). It might rain (less sure). When people speak, they often use them in the same way.
What does might have + past participle mean?+
Might have + past participle is for a guess about the past. She might have left means perhaps she left, but we don't know for sure.
How do you use might with if?+
In a sentence with if, might shows a result that is not certain: If I had time, I might come means that perhaps I would come. It is often used for imaginary situations.
What is the difference between might and could?+
For possibility, they are almost the same. Might = perhaps, there is a real chance. Could = it is possible (and could can also be about ability). It might rain and It could rain are very close.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/might
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.