might
might
modal verb
OPAL W OPAL S
/maɪt/
(might not, mightn’t /ˈmaɪtnt/ /ˈmaɪtnt/)
1 used when showing that something is or was possible
He might get there in time, but I can't be sure.
It might not be too late to save the building.
I know Vicky doesn't like the job, but I mightn't find it too bad.
The pills might have helped him, if only he'd taken them regularly.
He might say that now (= it is true that he does), but he can soon change his mind.
He might, if he chose, retire and live in luxury for the rest of his days.
TOPICS Doubt, guessing and certainty A2
2 used as the past tense of may when reporting what somebody has said
He said he might come tomorrow.
Zheng said she might not stay in the city for long.
3 ​used to make a polite suggestion
You might try calling the help desk.
I thought we might go to the zoo on Saturday.
TOPICS Suggestions and advice B2
4 ​(British English) used to ask permission politely
Might I use your phone?
If I might just say something…
5 ​(formal) used to ask for information
How might the plans be improved upon?
And who might she be?
​6 used to show that you are annoyed about something that somebody could do or could have done
I think you might at least offer to help!
Honestly, you might have told me!
7 ​used to say that you are not surprised by something
I might have guessed it was you!
Her film was full of magical effects, as you might expect.
​8 used to emphasize that an important point has been made
‘And where is the money coming from?’ ‘You might well ask!’
Grammar Point modal verbs
Idioms
may/might (just) as well do something
might
noun
/maɪt/
uncountable (formal or literary)
​great strength, energy or power
America’s military might
I pushed the rock with all my might.
Idioms
might is right
Word Origin
noun Old English miht, mieht, of Germanic origin; related to the verb may.