that he might

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that he might" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express the purpose or goal behind someone's actions. Example: John worked hard every day so that he might save enough money to go on a trip to Europe.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Before that, he might have been a sailor.

The Economist

Given that, he might find Alter's new book congenial.

The New York Times - Books

As well as that, he might blame me.

BBC

His friends worried that he might.

The New Yorker

That he might not get any response.

The New York Times

I worried that he might bloviate unattractively.

The New Yorker

I thought that he might weep.

The New Yorker

"It's quite possible that he might.

The New York Times

Paul said that he might not go.

The New Yorker

Others bridled that he might escape justice.

The New York Times

That he might be necessary".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that he might" to express a specific purpose or potential outcome in formal writing. This phrase often adds a layer of intentionality to the action being described.

Common error

Avoid overusing "that he might" in informal contexts where simpler phrases like "he could" or "he may" are more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that he might" functions as a subordinate conjunction, introducing a clause that expresses purpose or potential. Ludwig's examples show it connecting an action with its intended result, such as in "He studied diligently that he might pass the exam."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that he might" is a versatile phrase used to express purpose, intention, or possibility, predominantly in formal writing. As Ludwig AI highlights, it frequently connects an action with its anticipated result or a potential consequence. Though grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives suffice. Top sources such as The New York Times and The New Yorker frequently employ this phrase. When aiming for clarity and precision in expressing intentions, "that he might" remains a valuable tool in your writing arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so that he could

Focuses on the purpose or result of his actions, emphasizing capability.

in order for him to

Highlights the necessary condition for him to achieve something.

that he would

Expresses a possible future action or intention with a slightly more formal tone.

it's possible he will

Shifts the focus to the possibility of a future event, removing the sense of purpose.

there's a chance he could

Introduces an element of chance or uncertainty regarding his ability.

perhaps he may

Offers a more tentative suggestion of possibility.

it is conceivable that he will

Emphasizes the conceivability or imaginability of his future action.

with the aim that he

Highlights the intention or goal behind a particular action.

so as he can

Indicates the purpose of an action with a focus on enabling him.

to ensure he could

Stresses the effort to guarantee his ability to achieve something.

FAQs

How do I use "that he might" in a sentence?

Use "that he might" to express a purpose or possible outcome, often in formal or literary contexts. For example, "He studied diligently "that he might" pass the exam."

What are some alternatives to "that he might"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "so that he could", "in order for him to", or "that he would" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "that he might" formal or informal?

"That he might" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "he could" or "he may" are often preferred.

What's the difference between "that he might" and "that he may"?

While both express possibility, "that he might" often implies a purpose or intention, whereas "that he may" simply suggests a potential outcome without necessarily implying intent.