Difference Between Might and Will

Introduction

English is one of the most varied languages in the world, and it is the most widely spoken language on the planet. However, there are other terms in this language that are both very similar and quite distinct. Many changes and evolution occur over time. It is wrong to say that the only permanent thing is evolution or evolution. The main goal of learning English is to improve communication between different countries around the world. Although grammar is straightforward, it can be confusing when used. To form a coherent sentence, nouns, pronouns, verbs, tenses, and other parts of speech must be properly grouped.

There are some words that appear to be highly similar but are not; one example is "will" and "may." Improper usage of words or grammar is normally avoided to avoid any form of confusion. The relevance and significance of modal verbs in the English language are significant. "Might" and "will" are two verbs in the English language that are commonly used in sentences. Understanding the fundamental distinction between their usages is critical to avoiding confusion in the framed phrases. The topic of modal verbs is important when learning English and should be given adequate attention as these verbs are often used in English and are an integral part of English grammar.

Will vs. Might

The main difference between "will" and "might" is that 'might' is used in situations where the probability of occurrence is low. 'Will' is used for judgments, forecasts, pledges, and offers that have a larger and more definite likelihood of occurring. The use of the word 'might' in a phrase emphasizes the potential. However, the word 'will' implies the certainty of occurrence. The term "might" alludes to the possibility of an event or situation happening, although it is not guaranteed. The word "might" is used when the possibility of occurrence is minimal. The word "might" is the past tense of the word "may." In a sentence, 'might' is used as the second or third conditional phrase. The term 'might' alludes to an occurrence that may or may not happen in the future. The word "will" is used to ensure that an event or circumstance will occur and to provide specific future actions. When the likelihood of occurrence is great, the word 'will' is employed. The fundamental verb is "will" itself. "Will" is itself the root verb. It is used as the first conditional statement; 'Will' explains a possible future situation or an event. The table below gives a clear idea of the distinction between the two seemingly similar terms.

Difference Between Might and Will in Tabular Form

Basis of distinction	Might	Will
Denotation	It is used to define the potential of an event or circumstance occurring but does not guarantee its occurrence.	It is used to guarantee that an event or scenario will occur and to show specific future actions.
Nature	Dwells as a potential.	Dwells as security.
Probability	Might is used when the likelihood of occurrence is minimal.	A will is employed when the likelihood of occurrence is high.
Root verb	May	The root verb is "Will" in this case.
Usage	Used in instances where the likelihood of occurrence is low.	Used for making judgments, making forecasts, making promises, and making offers.
Conditional statement	It is sometimes used as a second or third conditional sentence in a sentence. .	As the first conditional sentence, the will is utilized
Explanation	An occurrence that may or may not occur in the future.	A potential future circumstance or event.
Sentence example	They might come by tomorrow.	She loves to eat. She might go out for dinner tonight.

What is Might?

The term "may" refers to an event or scenario that has the potential to occur, but the likelihood of occurrence is not totally certain. The event may take place, may not take place, or maybe canceled. Josh, for example, might not attend to Golf Club the following time. The event's probability of occurrence and cancellation are both present here. However, there is a better possibility that the event will occur. Might is the past tense of the word "may." It's a prepositional phrase. This word is commonly employed to identify occurrences that have a low likelihood of occurring in the future. Mostly, it represents a hypothetical context that is unlikely to happen. Might is a type of auxiliary verb. However, at times, it is incorrect. Might is an auxiliary verb. Most of the time, 'might' is used interchangeably with 'May'. However, at times, it is incorrect.

The term "might" is derived from the Old English word "meahte" or "mihte," which is related to the Old German word "mahta" or "mohta." or "mihte. It was originally used before the 12th century. The word "may" is used to indicate potential and to make suggestions and requests. It is also used to communicate permission, plausibility, and the potential of a past or current state that contradicts a truth. People sometimes misunderstand the definition of might as something forceful or authoritative; while this is also a correct explanation for the term; the context is different since its usage in grammar is being explored here. The might be stated here is the past tense of "May," which is used in the past to signify permission, liberty, likelihood, or potential. They may, for example, go to the ice cream shop tomorrow.

Here are some more examples:

1- Used to prompt the likelihood of something.

• She might be able to get there before it snows.
• I might go, but I also might not.

2- Utilised to represent a current state that is not true

• Shelly might understand if she was older.

3- Used as a courteous substitute for may

• Might I inquire as to who is calling?

4- Used as a courteous substitute for ought or should

• You might at least, should apologize.
• I might have predicted her tardiness.

What is Will?

"Will" may sound like a phrase often used in the financial realm, and although that is valid, the grammatical meaning of the word is being questioned. The modal supplementary verb "will" is used in this sentence. The vast majority of the time, it is used as a verb. It is, however, also used as a noun. It is, nevertheless, often employed as a verb. A state or occurrence that has the potential to occur in the future is referred to as "will." This word denotes a person's drive or determination to complete or achieve something in the near future. In most cases, this phrase is used indefinite statements. This auxiliary verb is often employed to communicate offers and pledges in phrases. For example, a friend has promised that she will buy me gifts when she receives her paycheck. In the first conditional statement, the word 'will' is also utilized.

This auxiliary verb is also used to deliver sentences that have offers and promises. E.g. my friend has promised she will buy me gifts when she gets her paycheck. 'Will' is also used in the first conditional sentence. For example," if students do not study hard, they cannot succeed in the future". This word is also used to convey trust and decisions. For E.g. "my mom believes that I will crack my examination this year". And "I am not in the right mental space; I will not continue this project."

Conjugation of a verb allows it to perform multiple tasks in a sentence or phrase. It is altered according to voice, aspect, stress, or modality through the use of auxiliary verbs that provide meaning. A modal verb is a verb that is used to show modality. It is used to express probability, capability, authorization, and duty. It informs the reader of the primary verb's goal, which might be a possibility or a requirement, a likely, certainty, duty, capacity, or permission. Modal verbs include the words "will" and "may." The past tense form of "will" is "would," while the past tense forms of "may" is "might." These words are used to create conditional verb forms.

Examples are the following sentences:

1. "She might have gone to the swimming classes if she hadn't been sick." (Conditional)
2. "You might want to have some potato fries with your lunch." (Suggestion)
3. "He might be on his way home." (Possibility)
4. "Might I ask you a question?" (Request)

1- The word "would" is a modal verb, which means it is the past tense version of the verb "would," but "might" is also a modal verb, which means it is the past tense form of the verb "May."

2- The words "would" and "may" are both used to construct conditional verb forms; the former represents past repetition and potential, while the latter makes requests and suggests a possibility that contradicts reality.

3- Both phrases were first used before the 12th century; "would" came from the Old English word "wolde," while "might" came from the Old English word "meahte."

When to use will:-

1- When addressing scenarios using the simple future verb form, the will is utilized. It is employed in assertions concerning the future.

• They will have two further sessions this afternoon.
• I'll be thirty years old next year.

2- It is also employed in the modal verb to explain sudden or unexpected decisions or acts.

• Someone is ringing the doorbell. I'll (I'll) go check it out.
• What will you be drinking? So, I'm going to get a cup of coffee.

3- Will is an excellent word to use when we desire someone to accomplish something for us or when we want to inquire about the future.

• Will you inform Jane that we are expecting her for dinner?
• Could you please copy and print these files for all of the students?

4- Will is used for pledges, phrases, and forecasts.

• I will never forget you.
• Are you unable to do this task? Don't worry; Dad will be there shortly to assist you.
• Those individuals will not tell you the truth.

5- In Type 1 conditional phrases, the word will is employed.

• If the weather permits, we will go fishing this weekend.
• If you study properly, you will pass the exam.

Main Differences between Might and Will in Points

1. The word 'might' refers to the potential of an event or scenario occurring, although it is not guaranteed. Whereas 'will' ensures that the event or scenario will occur and offers specified future actions.
2. The use of 'might' in a phrase implies possibility, whereas 'will' implies certainty.
3. The word 'might' is employed when the likelihood of occurrence is minimal. However, when the likelihood of occurrence is great, the word "will" is employed.
4. 'Might' is the past tense of the verb "May." In contrast, "Will" is the root verb.
5. The word 'might' is employed in instances when the chance of occurrence is low. 'Will,' on the other hand, is utilized for decisions, forecasts, pledges, and offers.
6. 'Might' is used as a second or third conditional clause in a sentence. The first conditional sentence, on the other hand, uses the word 'will.'
7. The word might refer to an occurrence that may or may not occur in the future. Whereas 'will' describes a potential future circumstance or event.

Conclusion

When these auxiliary modal verbs are employed correctly, the richness of the language is enhanced. The proper application reduces ambiguity and improves clarity. It not only corrects but also instills civility in a sentence. It is critical to understand the proper application of grammar in order to develop successful communication. When the word "will" is employed, it expresses decisions, offers, forecasts, and promises. When the word 'might' is used, it refers to the potential of an event or circumstance that occurs. The word 'might' is utilized in the second and third conditional sentences/statements. The word 'will' is used in the first conditional phrase or declaration. 'Might' sounds like a possibility, but 'will' sound like a guarantee. The above article thus would give a base idea of the difference between "will" and "might."

References

• https://www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/will-would-might#
• https://languageonschools.com/free-english-lessons/verb-tenses/future-will-may-and-might/