might

/maɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /maɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmīt/ (ame, mw)

might — modal verb

1. the past-tense form of 'may', used in sentences that report what someone said, t

1.情態動詞B1
釋義

the past-tense form of 'may', used in sentences that report what someone said, thought, or asked at an earlier time

例句

Darius said he might come to the party after his shift ended.

might + base verb in reported speech

Apinya asked if she might borrow the car for the weekend.

might as polite past-tense request in reported speech

同義詞
  • could

    less formal, and often suggests a past ability rather than permission

  • was allowed to

    states explicit permission rather than mere possibility

文法句型

might + base verb

might have + past participle

用法筆記

Only this sense functions as the past equivalent of 'may'. In other senses, 'might' expresses a different degree of possibility or politeness rather than past time.

常見錯誤

❌He said he might comes tomorrow.
✅He said he might come tomorrow.
💡after 'might', always use the base form of the verb, never an -s or -ed form.
❌She might went to the store.
✅She might have gone to the store.
💡for past events, use 'might have + past participle', not 'might + past tense'.

2. used to show that something is possible but not certain — for example, when gues

2.情態動詞A2
釋義

used to show that something is possible but not certain — for example, when guessing about the weather, someone's location, or a future event

例句

It might rain later, so take an umbrella just in case.

might + base verb for uncertain future event

Ignacio might be at the library if he is not at home.

might be + location for current possibility

同義詞
  • may

    similar meaning but slightly more formal; 'may' suggests a somewhat higher probability

  • could

    also expresses possibility but is more natural in casual conversation

反義詞
  • cannot

    expresses certainty that something is not possible

文法句型

might + base verb

might be + noun/adjective

might have + past participle

用法筆記

Use 'might' when the likelihood is lower than with 'may'. Many speakers use 'might' and 'may' interchangeably for possibility, but 'might' generally suggests a slightly weaker chance.

常見錯誤

❌It might to rain.
✅It might rain.
💡do not add 'to' after 'might'.
❌He might arrives soon.
✅He might arrive soon.
💡the verb after 'might' is always in the base form.

3. a polite way to ask for permission, more careful and respectful than 'may' or 'c

3.情態動詞B1
釋義

a polite way to ask for permission, more careful and respectful than 'may' or 'can'

例句

Might I borrow your pen for a moment, please?

might I + base verb for polite request

Theo wondered if he might use the office phone to call a taxi.

wondered if he might + base verb (indirect request)

同義詞
  • may

    less formal than 'might' for permission, but still polite

  • could

    common in spoken English for polite requests, less formal

文法句型

might I + base verb

if I might + base verb

用法筆記

This sense is quite formal. In everyday conversation, most English speakers use 'can' or 'may' instead. Reserve 'might' for very polite written requests or formal situations.

常見錯誤

❌Might I to open the window?
✅Might I open the window?
💡do not insert 'to' between 'might' and the main verb.

4. used to offer a gentle suggestion or recommend a possible course of action

4.情態動詞B1
釋義

used to offer a gentle suggestion or recommend a possible course of action

例句

You might try turning the computer off and then on again.

you might + base verb for a suggestion

Mira thought they might take the train instead of driving through traffic.

同義詞
  • could

    less tentative and more direct in suggestions

  • should

    stronger than 'might' — expresses a recommendation, not just a suggestion

文法句型

you might + base verb

might want to + base verb

might consider + -ing verb

常見錯誤

❌You might to try this restaurant.
✅You might try this restaurant.
💡do not add 'to' after 'might'.

5. expresses a feeling of irritation when someone behaves in a way you find inconsi

5.情態動詞B2
釋義

expresses a feeling of irritation when someone behaves in a way you find inconsiderate or disappointing

例句

You might have told me you would be late for dinner tonight.

might have + past participle for past criticism

Asher might at least say thank you after receiving a lovely gift.

同義詞
  • could

    more common in American English for expressing annoyance (e.g., 'You could have told me')

文法句型

might + base verb (showing annoyance)

might have + past participle (for past criticism)

用法筆記

This sense carries a tone of irritation. It is most common in British English. In American English, speakers often use 'could' with the same critical tone.

6. used to admit that one thing is true before introducing a point that seems to co

6.情態動詞B2
釋義

used to admit that one thing is true before introducing a point that seems to contradict or balance it

例句

Noor might not have much money, but she is very generous with her time.

might not … but … — concessive contrast

That film might be old, but it still tells a powerful story.

同義詞
  • may

    can replace 'might' in this pattern with the same concessive meaning, e.g. 'It may be old, but…'

文法句型

might … but …

might … yet …

用法筆記

This sense always follows a '… but …' or '… yet …' structure. The first clause concedes a point, and the second clause introduces a contrary or surprising fact.

常見錯誤

❌It might be expensive, so it is high quality.
✅It might be expensive, but it is high quality.
💡use 'but' or 'yet', not 'so', after the contrastive 'might'.

might — noun