Ampersand Lab

Foundation grammar · Lesson 29 · A2

might

Use might + infinitive when something is possible but not certain. The negative is might not; may works in the same way, and May I ... ? asks for permission.

Start the lesson

15Steps · about 23 minutes

In this lesson

might + infinitiveA1 screen of questions
I might ... = it is possible that I will ...B5 screens of questions
The negative: might notC2 screens of questions
mayD1 screen of questions

Point A of 4

might + infinitive

Ellen asks her brother where he is going for his birthday. He says: I'm not sure. I might go to Whitby. (= it is possible that he will go to Whitby)

She looks out at the grey sky and says: It might snow. (= it is possible that it will snow)

The form is might + infinitive (might go, might be, might snow etc.):

Subject might Infinitive
I / we / you / they / he / she / it might (not) be, go, play, come etc.
  • He might go to Whitby.
  • It might snow later.
  • They might not come.

Point A · Extra practice

Complete each sentence with might and a verb.

  1. Take an umbrella. It later.

  2. I'm not sure what to do tonight. I to the cinema.

  3. Ask Ben. He the answer.

Point B of 4

I might ... = it is possible that I will ...

I might ... means that it is possible that I will do something. It is not certain.

Compare sure and possible:

Sure Possible
I'm playing squash on Thursday. I might play squash on Thursday.
Alan is going to ring later. Alan might ring later.
  • I might go swimming after work. (= it is possible that I will go)
  • A: When is Carys coming round? B: I'm not sure. She might come on Sunday.
  • Put a coat on. It might be cold later.
  • Try again. You might win this time. (= perhaps you will win)
  • "Are you going to the quiz tonight?" "I might." (= I might go)

Point B · Exercise 29.2 · part 1 of 2

Somebody is asking about your plans. You have some ideas, but you are not sure. Choose from the list and write sentences with I might.

Use these

Cornwallcurrygo outnew phoneon Fridaytrain

  1. Example

    Where are you going this summer? I'm not sure. (Cornwall)

    I might go to Cornwall.

    AnswerWhere are you going this summer? I'm not sure. I might go to Cornwall.

  2. What are you doing tonight? I don't know. (go out)

  3. When are you going to see your grandma? I'm not sure. (on Friday)

  4. What are you cooking tonight? I'm not sure. (curry)

  5. How are you getting to Sheffield tomorrow? I'm not sure. (train)

Point B · Exercise 29.2 · part 2 of 2

Somebody is asking about your plans. You have some ideas, but you are not sure. Choose from the list and write sentences with I might.

Use these

Cornwallcurrygo outnew phoneon Fridaytrain

  1. I hear you got a bonus at work. What are you going to do with it? I haven't decided yet. (new phone)

Point B · Exercise 29.3 · part 1 of 2

You ask Dawn about her plans. Sometimes she is sure, but usually she is not. Write about Dawn. Use might where necessary.

  1. Example

    Are you going swimming tomorrow? Yes, in the morning.

    She's going swimming tomorrow morning.

    AnswerShe's going swimming tomorrow morning.

  2. Example

    Are you going to the pub tonight? Possibly.

    She might go to the pub tonight.

    AnswerShe might go to the pub tonight.

  3. Are you going to have a lie-in on Saturday? Perhaps.

  4. Are you working on Friday? No, I'm not.

  5. Will you be in the office on Monday? Maybe.

  6. Are you going to ring your brother tonight? I might.

Point B · Exercise 29.3 · part 2 of 2

You ask Dawn about her plans. Sometimes she is sure, but usually she is not. Write about Dawn. Use might where necessary.

  1. Are you meeting Jen for lunch tomorrow? Yes, I am.

  2. Are you going to wash the car this weekend? Perhaps.

Point B · Exercise 29.4

Write three things that you might do tomorrow.

  1. Something you might do.

  2. Something else you might do.

  3. Something else you might do.

Point C of 4

The negative: might not

The negative is might not. It means that it is possible that something will not happen.

  • I might not go to the gym tonight. (= perhaps I won't go)
  • Jamie might not like the present. (= it is possible that he will not like it)

Point C · Exercise 29.1 · part 1 of 2

Write sentences with might (items 1 to 5) and might not (items 6 and 7).

  1. Example

    (perhaps I'll go to the beach)

    I might go to the beach.

    AnswerI might go to the beach.

  2. (it's possible that I'll ring you tonight)

  3. (it's possible that Owen will forget his keys)

  4. (it's possible that it will be windy tomorrow)

  5. (it's possible that I'll be home early today)

Point C · Exercise 29.1 · part 2 of 2

Write sentences with might (items 1 to 5) and might not (items 6 and 7).

  1. (it's possible that Becky will not be at the meeting)

  2. (it's possible that I won't finish this report today)

Point D of 4

may

You can use may in the same way. I may ... = I might ...

May I ... ? means Is it all right if I ... ? or Can I ... ? It is polite, and a little formal.

  • I may go swimming after work. (= I might go)
  • Jamie may not like the present. (= Jamie might not like it)
  • May I borrow your pen? (= Can I borrow it?)
  • "May I come in?" "Yes, of course."

Point D · Extra practice

Put in may. Sometimes another word is also right.

  1. I use your phone, please?

  2. I be late tonight, so don't wait for me.

  3. Sophie not like it, but it's the best we can do.

Lesson 29 · Result

How you did

Next lesson: can and couldBack to the course

–Right

Each point

A. might + infinitive–Not checkedB. I might ... = it is possible that I will ...–Not checkedC. The negative: might not–Not checkedD. may–Not checked