Learn how to use “might” and “might not” to talk about what could happen in English. Take our A2 grammar test, which has clear rules and real-life examples!
Might / Might Not: Possible
When we say something might happen, but we’re not sure, we use might and might not. These forms are very common in everyday English, especially when we talk about what we think will happen in the future.
1. What does “might” mean?
Might means that something could happen.
It is less certain than will.
It means: “Maybe yes.”
Examples:
- I might go to the cinema tonight. (Maybe I will go.)
- She might be busy now. (Maybe she is busy.)
2. What does “might not” mean?
Might not means that something might not be true.
It means: “Maybe no.”
Examples:
- He might not come to the party. (Maybe he won’t come.)
- It might not rain today. (Maybe it will not rain.)
3. Form (How do we use it?)
The structure is very easy:
Subject + might/might not + base verb
No “-s”, no “-ing”, no “to”.
Examples:
- She might study later.
- They might not eat dinner at home.
4. When do we use might / might not?
You can use it for:
- Things that might happen in the future
- Guessing
- Plans that aren’t set in stone
Examples:
- I might visit my friend tomorrow.
- They might not finish the project today.
- It might be cold tonight.
5. Helpful ways to say the time
You can use these words with “might” and “might not”:
- later
- tomorrow
- tonight
- this afternoon
- next week
Example:
We might travel next month.
6. Common mistakes to avoid
He mights go. → Wrong
He might go. → Correct
She might to come. → Wrong
She might come. → Correct
They might not to call. → Wrong
They might not call. → Correct
7. A Quick Summary
- Might = Maybe yes
- Might not = Maybe no
- Use the base verb afterwards
- Use it for possibility, not certainty
