Might vs Will: Difference and Comparison

With time many changes and evolution occur. It is not wrong to say that evolution or change is the only constant. The English language has comprehensive coverage around the globe.

It is one of the oldest international languages whose supremacy is unparalleled. The main motive for mastering English is to make communication smooth between different countries globally.

Although, this language is not difficult to speak or understand. But the proper use of grammar makes it a bit difficult. As the grammar is simple, but people get confused while using it.

Nouns, pronouns, verbs, tenses, and other parts of speech should be assembled correctly to develop a meaningful sentence.

Improper use of words or grammar is avoided to avoid any miscommunication. The importance and contribution of modal verbs are high in English.

“Might” and “will” are two English verbs people use in their sentences often. Understanding the fundamental difference between their usage is essential to avoid perplexity in the framed sentences.

Key Takeaways

1. “Might” is used to express possibility or uncertainty, while “will” is used to express certainty or determination.
2. “Might” is a modal verb indicating a lower degree of certainty than “will”.
3. “Will” is also used to express future actions, while “might” is not commonly used in the future tense.

Might vs Will

‘Might’ is used in situations having a lesser possibility of occurrence. Whereas ‘Will’ is used for decisions, predictions, promises and offers, with higher and more concrete chances of an event. The nature of inculcating ‘might’ in a sentence brings out the possibility. But ‘will’ brings out assurance of a happening.

‘Might’ is used to define the possibility of the occurrence of an event or situation but not wholely assured. When the probability of occurrence is low, ‘might’ is used. Might’ is the past principal form of “May.

In a sentence, ‘might’ is used as a second or sometimes a third conditional sentence. ‘Might’ explains an event that may/may not happen in future.

Will’ assures that the event or situation will take place and presents explicit future actions. The nature of inculcating ‘will’ in a sentence brings out assurance. When the probability of occurrence is high, ‘will’ is used.

“Will” is itself the root verb. It is used as the first conditional statement. ‘Will’ explains a possible future situation/event.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Might	Will
Meaning	It is used to define the possibility of the occurrence of an event or situation, but not wholely assured.	It assures that the event or situation will take place and presents explicit future actions.
Nature	Dwells as a possibility.	Dwells as assurance.
Probability	When the probability of occurrence is low, might is used.	When the probability of occurrence is high, a will is used.
Root verb	May	“Will” is itself the root verb.
Usage	Used in situations having the lesser possibility of occurrence.	They are used for decisions, predictions, promises, and offers.
Conditional statement	In a sentence, it might is used as a second or sometimes a third conditional sentence.	Will is used as the first conditional statement.
Explains	An event that may/may not happen in the future.	A possible future situation/event.
Example	Jessica might appear Civil Services Examination this time.	My daughter loves shopping. She will go out tonight.

What is Might?

” Might” refers to an event or situation that is possible, but the probability of occurrence is not entirely hundred per cent. The event may occur, may not happen and get cancelled.

E.g. Jack might not go to Golf Club next. Here, the chances of occurrence and cancellation of the event are there. 

However, there are more chances that the event will happen.

Might is the past principal form of the verb “may. It is a prepositional word. This verb is used to determine those events which have lesser chances of occurrence in future.

Most of the time, it describes a hypothetical situation that has fewer chances of happening. Might is an auxiliary verb. Most of the time, ‘might’ is used interchangeably with ‘may’. However, some of the time, it is incorrect.

What is Will?

‘Will’ is a modal auxiliary verb. Most of the time, it is used as a verb. However, it is used as a noun as well. But it is widely accepted as a verb. ‘Will’ describes a situation or event which has the possibility of happening in occurrence in future.

This word portrays somebody’s wishes or determination to fulfil or achieve something in the coming time. Most of the time, this word is used indefinite statements.

This auxiliary verb is also used to deliver sentences with offers and promises. E.g. My son will buy me a present for my promotion.

‘Will’ is also used in the first conditional sentence. For example, ” if students do not study hard, they can not succeed in future”. This word is also used to deliver belief and decision. E.g.

“my mom believes that I will crack RBI Examination this year”. And ” I have become bankrupt; I will not invest in the share market anymore”.

Main Differences Between Might and Will

1. ‘Might’ is used to define the possibility of the occurrence of an event or situation but not wholely assured. Whereas ‘will’ ensures that the event or condition will occur and presents explicit future actions.
2. The nature of inculcating ‘might’ in a sentence brings out the possibility, but ‘will’ brings out assurance.
3. When the probability of occurrence is low, ‘might’ is used. But when the probability of occurrence is high, “will” is used.
4. Might’ is the past principal form of “May. Whereas “Will” is itself the root verb.
5. ‘Might’ is used in situations having a lesser possibility of occurrence. But ‘Will’ is used for decisions, predictions, promises and offers.
6. In a sentence, ‘might’ is used as a second or sometimes a third conditional sentence. Whereas ‘will’ is used as the first conditional statement.
7. ‘Might’ explains an event that may/may not happen in future. Whereas ‘will’ explains a possible future situation/event.

References

1. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-international-neuropsychological-society/article/cognitive-rehabilitation-how-it-is-and-how-it-might-be/F611EB5761428D58B4C1FB54CA599FF2
   

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023