might commit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might commit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or potential action that someone could take, often in a context involving wrongdoing or an offense. Example: "If he continues down this path, he might commit a serious mistake that could affect his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the Lifetime worldview institutions are often objects of suspicion; a psychiatric facility, for example, might commit you for no good reason ("Committed").

The New York Times - Arts

"People might commit suicide.

The New York Times

He was worried that Kerviel was unstable or might commit suicide.

The New Yorker

"We do it for all the people who might commit murders".

The Guardian - Tech

She feared that Aude might commit murder if she, Candace, stayed.

The New Yorker

Until then, the crimes the victims might commit are licensed by compassion and embarrassment.

The Guardian

You start to resist any change, any potentially risky move — like releasing a prisoner who might commit a crime.

The New York Times

It removes people who might commit further crimes from a context in which they can commit them.

The New Yorker

They are thin-skinned about any moral transgression they might commit and rigorously honest when judging themselves.

The New York Times

She said he had not been allowed to shave, out of concern that he might commit suicide.

The New York Times

Many are rapists or child molesters, and the fear that they might commit more of the same crimes is grave.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might commit" when expressing a potential or possible action, especially when the outcome is uncertain or speculative. It's suitable for discussing potential wrongdoings, errors, or future actions.

Common error

While "might commit" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal writing can weaken the perceived authority. Opt for stronger verbs or more direct expressions when certainty is required or implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might commit" functions as a modal verb construction used to express possibility or potentiality. It combines the modal verb "might" with the infinitive verb "commit", indicating a degree of uncertainty about a future action. As shown by Ludwig AI, this construction often appears in contexts where the action is undesirable or uncertain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might commit" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of an action, often involving a negative or uncertain outcome. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in news and media, where it serves to discuss potential risks and uncertainties. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, "might commit" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though more specific or forceful alternatives may sometimes be preferred. When writing, be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the phrase conveys the intended level of uncertainty or speculation effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could perpetrate

Replaces "might" with "could" and "commit" with "perpetrate", indicating a potential act but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the act itself.

may carry out

Substitutes "might" with "may" and "commit" with "carry out", softening the possibility and focusing on the execution of an action.

potentially undertake

Uses "potentially" instead of "might" and "undertake" for "commit", suggesting a formal or planned action.

conceivably engage in

Replaces "might" with "conceivably" and "commit" with "engage in", indicating a possibility, especially in activities or behaviors.

possibly execute

Uses "possibly" for "might" and "execute" for "commit", indicating a formal or decisive action.

may be capable of

This phrase expands upon the original by focusing on the capacity or ability to commit an act, rather than the likelihood.

could be inclined to

This alternative suggests a predisposition or tendency towards committing an action.

is liable to

This phrase replaces "might commit" with a term indicating legal or probable responsibility for an action.

is apt to

This version indicates a natural tendency or likelihood of committing an action.

is subject to

This alternative conveys that someone is under the influence or control that could lead them to commit an action.

FAQs

How do I use "might commit" in a sentence?

Use "might commit" to express a possibility that someone will perform an action, often negative, but not necessarily. For instance, "He might commit a crime" or "She might commit to the project".

What are some alternatives to "might commit"?

You can use alternatives like "could perpetrate", "may carry out", or "potentially undertake", depending on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "might commit" formal or informal?

"Might commit" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in some situations.

What's the difference between "might commit" and "will commit"?

"Might commit" indicates a possibility or uncertainty, while "will commit" indicates a future certainty. For example, "He might commit a mistake" suggests it's possible, while "He will commit to the task" suggests it's certain.