You might, and ignorant can, wonder what the difference between the phrases Might and Can is. In that case, the Might is used to express the possibility of a scene, while the Can is defined as something that can do.
Key Takeaways
- Can refer to the ability or capacity to do something, while it might refer to a possibility or probability of something happening.
- Can is used to express certain certainty, while might is used to express uncertainty or doubt.
- Can is used to talk about present or future situations, while might is more commonly used to talk about past situations or hypothetical scenarios.
Might vs Can
Might is used when you ask for a request or permission, while time can is used when you can do something. Furthermore, ‘might’ denotes the possibility and ‘can’ to the ability or capability to do a thing.
Might is the past tense of the verb may. It is used in a sentence to ask permission or a request. It refers to possibility, license, and liberty politely.
On the other hand, the term can is the present tense of the verb could. The verb can is the ability to do something physically or mentally.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Might | Can |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Might is a verb and past tense that may express a request or permission to do any action- the ability or power to do the act. | Can is a verb and future tense of ‘could,’ which implies something or someone has the right to the action. The word ‘can’ is allowing a person or a thing to do the act. |
| Used in | The verb might be applied to a sentence to ask for a request or permission. | The verb ‘can’ is used in a sentence when someone or something can do |
| Introduction | Before the invention of the word ‘might,’ in old English termed might as may-ed-physical strength, later in 1848 named might as the past tense of may. | The word can is derived from Middle English Can- to know-how or able to do the task. |
| Tense | It might follow past and future participles, which discuss past possibilities and future probabilities. | The past tense for can is Could. The present tense of Can is termed as positive can and negative Cannot. There is no future tense for Can, but expressed as “I Can.” |
| Synonyms | Strength, vigour, brawn, sinew, power, and energy | ‘Could be credible, conceivable, obtainable, and feasible |
| Example | The prosecutor used all his might to bring out the innocents from hell. | I can study for 8 hours straight without any distractions. |
What is Might?
As mentioned earlier, ‘might’ is the past tense of the word may. The verb ‘might’ has many meanings.
Over time, it is used in sentences that express the possibility of something that will happen or to be done eventually. On the other hand, it is a polite way of asking for approval to do something.
Plus, it is applied in sentences to compare two fundamentally different statements. Lastly, it is the root of the term mighty, which refers to the words power, strength, or force of a person.
For instance, “I think this article might help me to overcome my difficulties of understanding the difference between the term ‘can’ and ‘might’.” Here, you are politely expressing your thoughts or suggestions.
What is Can?
Coming to the second part, the term has been used since the nineteenth century, with the definition of the ability to do something. The term ‘can’ is the present tense of the verb could.
The ‘can’ is used to express the ability to do something physically or mentally. Also, it symbolises the possibility and probability of circumstances that are permitted to be.
Indeed, ‘can’ is accepted when conversing with friends or colleagues. Not to mention, ‘can’ refers to a container used to preserve things.
For instance, “I can understand it”.
Main Differences Between Might and Can
- The word might indicate doing any physical activity determining the strength and energy you have invested in a particular task. On the other hand, the verb ‘Can’ knows how to do an activity that determines a person’s mindset in doing the task.
- Might has no tenses but applies past and future participle, giving past and future possibilities. The word ‘Can’ have past and present- can and could, but doesn’t have a future tense.
- Both verbs follow different synonyms for Might- strength, brawn, energy, power and sinew. Furthermore, Can has the synonyms of Credible, feasible, capability, obtain and could be.
- Might is used in case of doing anything or asking for permission, whereas Can is used to age in a known act voluntarily or involuntarily.
- An example of Might is “I might start earning”; the verb, Can is “I can go myself”.
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
This article’s comparison table is a great way to illustrate the differences between ‘might’ and ‘can’.
I found it very helpful too.
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The article’s explanation of the comparison between ‘might’ and ‘can’ is thorough and well-presented.
Absolutely, it’s a great resource.
Indeed, it effectively elucidates the distinctions.
Ironic how ‘can’ isn’t actually included in the ‘might vs can’ section, yet is presented in the ‘what is can’ section.
A valid observation, perhaps some restructuring is needed.
The article’s clear distinction between ‘might’ and ‘can’ is enlightening.
I agree, it’s very well explained.
This article provides a comprehensive understanding of ‘might’ and ‘can’.
Yes, it clarifies the differences effectively.
The article dismisses the colloquial usage of ‘can’ and ‘might’, which can cause confusion for some readers.
I agree, it would have been beneficial to include this aspect.
The article’s content is not only informative but also engaging.
Yes, I was absorbed throughout reading it.
This article very clearly distinguishes between ‘might’ and ‘can’. The etymology of these words is also interesting.
Very informative and helpful. I enjoyed reading it.
I couldn’t agree more. The examples provided make it easy to understand.
While this is useful, I think the article could have gone more in-depth on the usage of ‘might’ and ‘can’.
True, I would have liked to see more examples and comparisons.
This article provides a detailed analysis of ‘might’ and ‘can’ with useful examples.
I found the examples very illustrative.