might be running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be running" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or uncertainty about someone or something being in motion or operating. Example: "The train might be running late due to the weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I might be running".

Independent

"I might be running a fever".

The New Yorker

"Outside the rooms, we might be running around, mad.

The Guardian

Mr. Brant's creditors — a group of hedge funds — might be running out of patience.

The New York Times

I always keenly felt the fear that we might be running materially behind other families.

The New Yorker

One possibility might be running in Washington State, something he had been exploring last year.

The New York Times

But Dr. Shanas said time might be running out as its habitat was endangered.

The New York Times - Science

Hurst bristles at the suggestion that he might be running a campaign only focused on guns.

The Guardian

"Projects might be running on a server under someone's desk," he says.

MIT Technology Review

500, on fears that the company might be running low on cash.

The New York Times

Michele Bachmann made it sound, last week, like she might be running.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be running" to express a moderate degree of possibility or uncertainty about an ongoing action or event. For example, "The server might be running slowly due to the increased traffic".

Common error

Avoid using "might be running" excessively in formal writing, as it can sometimes sound less assertive than alternatives like "could be operating" or "may be in progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be running" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or probability of an action in progress. As shown by Ludwig, it suggests that something is potentially happening but is not confirmed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be running" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a possibility or uncertainty about an action currently in progress. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While generally suitable for various contexts, formal writing may benefit from more assertive alternatives. When using "might be running", remember that you are conveying a sense of possibility rather than certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be operating

Expresses a similar level of possibility regarding an action or process.

may be in progress

Indicates a current activity with a degree of uncertainty.

could be functioning

Similar to 'might be', implying a possibility of being in working order.

may be functioning

Synonymous, but it indicates that functioning is possible, yet uncertain.

could be underway

Implies something is possibly happening or in progress.

may be happening

Expresses the possibility that something is taking place.

might be underway

Indicates a degree of uncertainty.

may be racing

Refers to racing as a possible event instead of "running".

could be racing

This suggests a possibility of racing or competing.

might be competing

Similar to "running" but focuses on competition.

FAQs

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

Use "might be running" to indicate a possibility or uncertainty about an ongoing action. For example, "The application "might be running" in the background" or "He "might be running" late due to traffic".

What are some alternatives to "might be running"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "could be operating", "may be in progress", or "could be functioning" as alternatives to "might be running".

When is it appropriate to use "might be running"?

"Might be running" is appropriate when you want to express a possibility or a degree of uncertainty about an action or event that is currently happening or is likely to happen.

Is there a difference between "might be running" and "could be running"?

The difference is very subtle. Both "might be running" and "could be running" express possibility. "Might" sometimes suggests a slightly lower probability than "could", but in many contexts, they are interchangeable.