Grammar: Might vs Must?

Could you explain the difference between the use of "might" and "must"? How do you use them in context?

Comments for Grammar: Might vs Must?

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 24, 2011
 Might vs Must
by: Ola Zur

Hi,

Well, there is a big difference between these two words.

"Might" typically shows POSSIBILITY. Meaning, it is possible for something to happen. The word "may" also shows possibility, but "might" is a bit weaker.

Here are some examples:

It might rain tomorrow. (Meaning: it is possible but I'm not sure at all.)
He might come and visit us on Sunday.
This might not be such a good idea.

Now, "must" has several meanings, which are different from the above.

1. "Must" shows that you have to do something. It is your obligation.
For example: You must pay your taxes. (Meaning: you have to pay your taxes. You have no choice.)

2. "Mustn't" (must not) shows that you are not allowed to do something.
For example: You mustn't be late. (Meaning: you are not allowed to be late.)

3. "Must" is also used to show that something is a logical conclusion.
For example: He left 2 hours ago, and it takes 30 minutes to get there, so he must be there already. (Meaning: it is logical that he is there already.)

Click here for more data on the English Modal Verbs.

Ola Zur is the editor of www.really-learn-english.com, an illustrated guide to English.
Apr 20, 2011
 Must, Might
by: Selma

There is a gradation between them. It's from possibility (Might) to obligatory (Must),
Such as jugment and guess, it is used in many forms.

These comments allow us to brush-up our minds.

Thank you.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to ask your grammar questions here..

Still looking?  Search the site for exactly what you need using the site search box below.

Happy exploring!

Share this page:
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Discover these Amazing ESL Materials!

It's English Time! English Express! 5 Simple Steps to Better Writing! English Harmony 2.0! Pronunciation Power!
Effortless English! Best Accent Training! Ola Zur! English Grammar Revolution! English Success

Sign-up For The Learn English Newsletter

Your E-mail Address
Your First Name (optional)
Then

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Learn English Newsletter.