Might and Might Not: Plans That Are Not Certain
By the end: I can describe a possible plan without presenting it as certain.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Choose a short recording.
Keep a plan open
Use might and the base verb when an action is possible but not decided or certain.
I might go out tonight.
We might visit Ana tomorrow.
A possible negative
Might not means it is possible that something will not happen. It is not the same as definitely won’t.
She might not come.
We might not need the car.
Explain the uncertainty
Use a short reason or two possible choices. Do not turn a possibility into a promise.
I might walk, or I might take the bus.
I might stay home because I’m tired.
Guided practice
Say or write your answer first. Compare form and meaning with the model.
1. Complete: He might ___ later. Use call.
Compare a model and explanation
call
Might takes the base verb.
2. Make a possible negative: We might go.
Compare a model and explanation
We might not go.
Put not after might.
3. Correct: She might comes tomorrow.
Compare a model and explanation
She might come tomorrow.
Do not add -s after might.
4. Correct: I might to buy it.
Compare a model and explanation
I might buy it.
Do not add to.
5. Make this uncertain: I’ll take the train.
Compare a model and explanation
I might take the train.
Might changes commitment to possibility.
6. Does She might not come mean she definitely will not come?
Compare a model and explanation
No. Not coming is only a possibility.
Keep uncertainty in the interpretation.
7. Offer two possible plans for Saturday.
Compare a model and explanation
I might visit a friend, or I might stay home.
Other reasonable undecided choices are acceptable.
8. Add a reason to a possible negative.
Compare a model and explanation
I might not go out because I have work to do.
Do not remove might’s uncertainty.
A short conversation
Listen first, then open the transcript when useful.
Open the conversation transcript
A: What are you doing on Sunday?
B: I’m not sure. I might go to the beach.
A: I might come with you, but I might have to work.
B: OK. Let’s check on Saturday.
Listening checks
Listen to each extract or open its transcript. These three questions have a separate score.
Mastery quiz
Choose the best answer for each situation. The score is out of eight.
Use it in your own words
Speaking 1
Give two possible plans for tomorrow.
Reveal a possible response
I might cook at home. I might meet a friend.
Success check: Keep the choices uncertain.
Speaking 2
Mention something you might not do and explain why.
Reveal a possible response
I might not go shopping because I’m busy.
Success check: Use might not and a reason.
Put it all together
Discuss an undecided weekend with a partner. Offer alternatives and choose when to decide.
Reveal a possible response
I might go hiking, or I might stay home. I might not travel if I’m tired. Let’s decide on Friday.
Success check: Do not treat the possibilities as confirmed arrangements.
Take it with you
I can describe a possible plan without presenting it as certain.