might be

USAGE SUMMARY

"might be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a possible situation or outcome. For example, "The new software might be ready by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gilts might be excluded.

The Economist

JE: Might be difficult.

The New Yorker

It might be urine.

Independent

Might be two.

The New York Times - Magazine

What might be wrong?

The New York Times - Sports

(There might be miracles).

The New Yorker

Some might be.

The Economist

It might be sticky.

The Economist

"It might be diseased".

The New Yorker

That might be changing.

The New York Times

There might be trouble".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing uncertainty, use "might be" to indicate a possibility that is less certain than 'will be' or 'should be'. Use it when you want to express doubt or suggest a potential outcome without strong conviction.

Common error

While "might be" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can make your arguments seem weak. Vary your language with stronger verbs and more assertive phrasing to convey confidence and authority. Consider using alternatives like "could be considered" or "potentially indicates" in academic or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or uncertainty. As Ludwig's examples show, it introduces a range of potential scenarios, from weather forecasts to problem solutions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "might be" is a common and versatile modal verb phrase used to express possibility, uncertainty, or a potential outcome. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts. While generally neutral, its overuse in formal writing should be avoided in favor of more assertive language. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, "might be" effectively softens statements, proposes possibilities, and conveys doubt, making it a valuable tool in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be

Indicates a possibility, similar to "might be" but sometimes suggests a slightly higher probability.

may be

Expresses possibility, often interchangeable with "might be", but sometimes perceived as slightly more formal.

is perhaps

Introduces a statement with a sense of doubt or uncertainty, suggesting it as one possibility among others.

is possibly

Similar to "is perhaps", but emphasizes the uncertainty more directly.

possibly is

Emphasizes the possibility aspect, focusing on whether something is potentially true or factual.

it is possible that

Explicitly states the possibility of something occurring or being true, providing a more formal alternative.

conceivably is

Highlights the capacity for something to be imagined or believed, suggesting a degree of uncertainty.

potentially is

Focuses on the inherent ability or possibility for something to occur or be true.

is conceivably

Suggests the subject's possibility, though perhaps unlikely.

is potentially

States that something has the possibility of being true or becoming real.

FAQs

How can I use "might be" in a sentence?

"Might be" is used to express possibility or uncertainty. For example, "It "might be" rainy tomorrow", or "That "might be" the solution to the problem".

What can I say instead of "might be"?

Alternatives to "might be" include "could be", "may be", "possibly is", or "potentially is". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "might be" or "might of been"?

"Might be" is correct. "Might of been" is a common error arising from mishearing "might have been". Always use "might have been" to refer to a past possibility.

What's the difference between "might be" and "may be"?

Both "might be" and "may be" express possibility, and they are often interchangeable. However, "may be" can sometimes imply a slightly higher degree of certainty or formality than "might be".