Difference Between Would and Might

Would vs Might

A verb is conjugated in order to provide it with different functions in a sentence or phrase. It is modified according to voice, aspect, emphasis, or modality with the use of auxiliary verbs which provide it with additional meaning.

A verb that is used to indicate modality is called a modal verb. It is used to convey likelihood, ability, permission, and obligation. It provides knowledge about the purpose of the main verb that follows it which may be a possibility or a necessity, a likelihood, certainty, duty, ability, or permission.

Examples of modal verbs are the words “will” and “may.” The past tense form of the word “will” is “would” while the past tense form of the word “may” is “might.” These words are used to create conditional verb forms.

The word “would” is the more commonly used of the two, and it indicates a past repetition. It is used to express an intent, wish or desire, willingness, preference, or intention. In a conditional sentence, it is used to express a possibility.
The word “would” comes from the Old English word “wolde” which is derived from the Old German word “wolta” which means “wished or desired.” Its first known usage in the English language was recorded before the 12th century.

Examples of its use in a sentence are:
“If he continued his studies instead of getting married, he would be a doctor now.” (Conditional)
“Everybody knows he would do his best not to break his promise to her.” (Past tense of will)
“They would always have dinner on the terrace during summer.” (Repetition)

The word “might,” on the other hand, is used to express possibility and to make suggestions and requests. It is also used to express permission, probability, and a possibility in the past or of a present condition which is in conflict with a fact.

The word “might” comes from the Old English word “meahte” or “mihte” which is similar to the Old German word “mahta” or “mohta.” Its first recorded use was before the 12th century.

Examples are the following sentences:
“If she didn’t feel ill, she might go with them to the movies.” (Conditional)
“ You might want to buy a soda along with your sandwich.” (Suggestion)
“He might be on his way now.” (Possibility)
“Might I ask you something?” (Request)

Summary:

1.The word “would” is a modal verb which is the past tense form of the verb “will” while the word “might” is also a modal verb which is the past tense form of the verb “may.”
2.Both the words “would” and “might” are used to make conditional verb forms, while the word “would” is used to indicate past repetition and a possibility, the word “might” is used to make requests and to indicate a possibility which is in conflict with the fact.
3.The first recorded use of both words was before the 12th century; “would” was formed from the Old English word “wolde” while “might” was formed from the Old English word “meahte.”

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