With time many change and evolution occur. It is not wrong to say that evolution or change is the only constant. The English language has wide coverage around the globe. It is one of the oldest international languages whose supremacy is unparalleled. The main motive of 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. Noun, pronoun, verb, tense, and other parts of speech should be assembled in a correct sequence to develop a meaningful sentence.
Improper use of words or grammar is generally avoided to avoid any kind of miscommunication. The importance and contribution of the modal verbs are high in the English language. “Might” and “will” are two English verbs that are used by people in their sentences often. Understanding the basic difference between their usage is important to avoid perplexity in the framed sentences.
Might vs Will
The main difference between ‘might’ and ‘will’ is that ‘might’ is used in situations having the lesser possibility of occurrence. Whereas ‘Will’ is used for decisions, predictions, promises and offers, and which have higher and concrete chances of occurrence. 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 a possibility of 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 the word “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’ is used to assure 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 Between Might and Will
| Parameters of Comparison | Might | Will |
| Meaning | It is used to define a possibility of occurrence of an event or situation but not wholely assured. | It is used to assure 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. | 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 a situation that has a possibility of occurrence, but the probability of occurrence is not entirely hundred per cent. The event may occur, may not occur and get cancelled. E.g. Jack might not go to Golf Club next. Here, the chances of occurrence and the chances of cancellation of the event is there.
However, there are more chances that the event would happen.
Might is the past principal form of the verb “may”. It is a prepositional word. This verb is generally used to determine those events which have lesser chances of occurrence in future. Most of the times, it describes a hypothetical situation that has fewer chances of happening. Might is an auxiliary verb. Most of the times, ‘might’ is used interchangeably with ‘may’. However, some of the times, it is incorrect.
What is Will?
‘Will’ is a modal auxiliary verb. Most of the times, 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 times, 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
- ‘Might’ is used to define a possibility of occurrence of an event or situation but not wholely assured. Whereas ‘will’ is used to assure that the event or situation will take place and presents explicit future actions.
- The nature of inculcating ‘might’ in a sentence brings out the possibility, but ‘will’ brings out assurance.
- When the probability of occurrence is low, ‘might’ is used. But when the probability of occurrence is high, “will” is used.
- ‘Might’ is the past principal form of the word “May”. Whereas “Will” is itself the root verb.
- ‘Might’ is used in situations having the lesser possibility of occurrence. But ‘Will’ is used for decisions, predictions, promises and offers.
- In a sentence, ‘might’ is used as a second or sometimes a third conditional sentence. Whereas ‘will’ is used as the first conditional statement.
- ‘Might’ explains an event that may/may not happen in future. Whereas ‘will’ explains a possible future situation/event.
Conclusion
When these auxiliary modal verbs are used properly, then it leads to improvisation of the richness of the language. Proper use removes dilemma and enhances clarity. It not only corrects a statement but also inculcates politeness in it. To build good communication, it is important one should understand the correct application of grammar.
When “will” is used, the decisions, offers, predictions, and promises are expressed. On the other hand, the possibility of occurrence of an event or situation is referred to when ‘might’ is used. ‘Might’ is used to make second/ third conditional sentence/statements. ‘Will’ is used to make the first conditional sentence or statement. ‘Might’ resembles possibility but will resemble assurance.
References
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-international-neuropsychological-society/article/cognitive-rehabilitation-how-it-is-and-how-it-might-be/F611EB5761428D58B4C1FB54CA599FF2
- https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/21748216.pdf