might*/*/*/

[maɪt] modal verb I

summary:

■ Might is usually followed by an infinitive without ‘to': I might change my mind. Sometimes it is used without a following infinitive: I don't think we'll need any more help, but we might. ■ Might has no tenses, no participles, and no infinitive form. It does not change its form, so the third person singular form does not end in ‘-s': She might be late. ■ Questions and negatives are formed without ‘do': Might I make a suggestion? ♦ Your plan might not work. The negative short form mightn't can also be used.

1) used for saying that there is a small possibility that something is true or will happen

You never know what might happen in the future.[/ex]

I was afraid that someone might recognize me.[/ex]

Did you say anything that might have upset her?[/ex]

We might just get there in time if we hurry.[/ex]

2) spoken

used for very politely asking permission to do something

Might I ask the president a question?[/ex]

3) used as the past tense of ‘may' when you are reporting what someone said

Roger said they might not be able to come.[/ex]

•

I might have known/guessed — British spokenused for saying that you are not surprised at a situation[/ex]

I might have known he would be late.[/ex]

might have done sth — used when something was possible but did not in fact happen[/ex]

With a bit more effort we might have won the match.[/ex]

might (just) as well — informal 1) used for making a suggestion when you cannot think of anything better to do[/ex]

We might as well sit down while we're waiting.[/ex]

— 2) used for saying that it would not make any difference if you did something else

The meeting was a complete waste of time. I might just as well have stayed at home.[/ex]

II

noun [U]

might [maɪt]

great power or strength