might do something

USAGE SUMMARY

"might do something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express that something is possible or might happen. For example: "We don't know what will happen next month, but I think I might do something about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More rarely, they might do something totally different.

The New York Times

"We might do something amusing tomorrow," Ahmet said.

The New Yorker

Maybe the Giants might do something, but not this year.

The New York Times

"I thought he might do something so I reported it.

The Guardian - Sport

Jude, Law that is, might do something with masks.

The Guardian

He's worried she might do something terrible to his daughter.

The Guardian - Books

It might do something entirely different to your gag reflex.

The Guardian - Film

Almost as an afterthought, he mentioned that it might do something for the planet.

The Economist

They all should be worried that they might do something that would offend a Mayor Lhota".

The New York Times

I might do something like kettle-bell swings or handstand push-ups.

The New York Times

Condoleezza Rice might do something to neutralise the Democrats' traditional advantage among blacks and women.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might do something" to express a possibility or a tentative plan, rather than a firm commitment. This conveys uncertainty or a lack of definite intention.

Common error

Avoid using "might do something" excessively in formal or professional writing where a more decisive tone is required. Instead, opt for stronger verbs or more specific plans to demonstrate confidence and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might do something" functions as a hedge, softening a statement and indicating possibility rather than certainty. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing how it's used to express tentative plans or potential actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might do something" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express possibility or tentative plans. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. The phrase is prevalent in news and media sources. While versatile, it's best to consider the context and opt for more decisive language in formal settings. Alternatives like "could potentially act" or "may take action" can offer nuanced substitutes. Remember to use "might do something" when you want to express a possibility without making a firm commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may take action

Emphasizes the possibility of initiating a specific action.

could potentially act

Focuses on the potential or possibility of action but adds a sense of future orientation.

may choose to act

It conveys the potential to make a decision and then act upon it.

might undertake some action

This suggests a more formal or deliberate initiation of action.

could possibly engage

Highlights the possibility of becoming involved or participating in something.

may perhaps intervene

Implies a potential involvement or interference in a situation.

might consider a move

It indicates that someone could think about making a change or strategic step.

may contemplate action

It suggests that someone might reflect on starting something.

could entertain the idea

It shows the consideration of something, without a certain execution.

may explore options

Indicates the possibility of investigating available choices or possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "might do something" in a sentence?

You can use "might do something" to express a possibility or a tentative action. For example, "I "might do something" about it later" suggests a possible, but not definite, future action.

What are some alternatives to "might do something"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could potentially act", "may take action", or "might undertake some action", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "might do something" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "might do something" is generally better suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using stronger verbs or more specific language to demonstrate certainty and commitment.

What's the difference between "might do something" and "will do something"?

"Might do something" indicates a possibility, suggesting uncertainty or a lack of definite intention. "Will do something" expresses a firm commitment or a planned action, conveying a higher degree of certainty.