Might, might not: Possibility

Grammar / A2 Grammar lessons and exercises/ Might, might not: Possibility

✏️ Exercises

Might / Might Not: Form and Use

Grammar chart showing the modal verb 'might': positive form 'might go', negative 'might not go', meaning 'maybe it is/will be true', with examples for A2 English learners.

🟦 Might (not) = Maybe it is (not) true

We use might and might not when we think something is (not) true or will (not) happen, but we’re not sure.

✅ “Suzan isn’t answering the phone.” → “She might be in the garden.”

✅ The sky is clearing up. It might not rain this afternoon.

✅ They might win the competition.

🟩 I might (not) = It is possible that I will (not)

We say someone might do something to mean “it is possible they will do it.”

✅ I might go for a run this afternoon. (= It’s possible I will go.)

✅ She might come to the conference.

🔹 For negatives: might not = it’s possible they won’t

✅ I might not come to the party. (= It’s possible I won’t come.)

✅ He might not go to work tomorrow.

🟪 May / May Not = Might / Might Not

You can use may and may not instead of might and might not. They mean the same thing.

✅ She may be late for class this morning.

✅ They may not like your decision.

💡 Note: “May” is slightly more formal than “might,” but both are correct.

🟧 May I…? (Asking for Permission)

We don’t often use might or may in questions — except for “May I…?” to ask permission.

✅ May I sit here? (= Can I sit here?)

✅ May I come in?

❗ Don’t say: “Might I sit here?” — sounds unnatural or overly formal.

📌 Remember: Might + base verb (no 'to') | Same for all subjects | Use for possibility/uncertainty | Negative: might not | Questions: Only common with “May I…?” for permission