Language Research

might · modal verb

/mɑɪt/Full view

might (POSSIBLY HAPPEN)

A2 used to talk about what will possibly happen

Dictionary examples:

We might finish the project by Thursday.

She might not come.

Learner example:

We shou[l]d wear t-shirts to paint the wall because the paint might make our t-shirts dirty. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

might (POSSIBLY TRUE)

B1 used to talk about what is possibly true

Dictionary examples:

I think Isabel might be pregnant.

Don't go any closer - it might be dangerous.

Learner example:

At first, I thought it might be a mistake. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

might have

B2 used to talk about things that possibly happened in the past or could possibly have happened by some time in the future

Dictionary examples:

It might have been Alex who called.

The rain might have stopped by lunchtime.

Learner example:

First of all, you might have been thinking you have to go to a sports club or somewhere and exer[c]ise very hard to keep fit. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

might as well do sth

B2 used to suggest doing something when there is no reason you should not do it or there is no better thing to do

Dictionary examples:

We might as well walk there.

I think everyone is here now, so we might as well start the meeting.

Learner example:

But we have to have a starting point, and since we are not sure how to do it, I believe we might as well start by thinking that "I am important, therefore I'm going to give time to myself, set up priorities and put aside what will harm me." (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)