might well

USAGE SUMMARY

'might well' is correct and usable in written English.
This expression is typically used to convey a sense of certainty or possibility in predicting an outcome. For example, "The new medical technology might well revolutionize healthcare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You might well ask.

Independent

Shareholders might well sue.

The Economist

That might well be.

The New York Times

They might well.

The Economist

Opposition politicians might well refuse.

The Economist

You might well be right.

The Economist

One might well think not.

The Economist

It might well want more.

The Economist

The dollar might well fall.

The Economist

It might well".

The New York Times

We might well worry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might well" to express a strong possibility or a justified expectation, especially when you want to convey that something is not just possible but also reasonable or likely given the circumstances. For example: "Given his experience, he might well succeed."

Common error

Avoid using "might well" when you want to express absolute certainty; it still implies a degree of possibility, not a guarantee. If you need to express complete certainty, use phrases like "will certainly" or "is guaranteed to."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might well" functions as a modal phrase, expressing a strong possibility or likelihood. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is typically used to convey a sense of certainty or possibility in predicting an outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The modal phrase "might well" is a versatile tool for expressing a strong possibility or reasonable expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for diverse contexts. While it's widely used in news and media, demonstrating a neutral register, remember that it implies a degree of possibility rather than absolute certainty. Alternatives like "may very well" or "could easily" can be considered for nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "might well" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may very well

Similar in meaning, but places slightly more emphasis on the possibility.

could easily

Expresses a high probability or ease of occurrence.

it's not unlikely

Uses a double negative to affirm a reasonable possibility.

it is likely

States a strong probability of something happening.

it is probable

Similar to 'it is likely' but might suggest a slightly higher degree of certainty.

it's quite possible

Highlights the potential for something to occur.

it could happen

Simple expression of a possibility.

conceivably

Indicates that something is within the realm of possibility.

it wouldn't be surprising if

Expresses the expectation that something might occur, without strong surprise.

potentially

Highlights the inherent capacity for something to develop or occur.

FAQs

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

You can use "might well" to express a strong possibility or expectation. For example, "Given her qualifications, she "might well" get the job."

What does "might well" mean?

"Might well" indicates a strong possibility or a reasonable expectation that something will happen. It's stronger than simply saying "might".

What are some alternatives to "might well"?

Alternatives to "might well" include "may very well", "could easily", or "it is likely" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "might well" in formal writing?

Yes, "might well" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is widely accepted and understood in various contexts.