that might be

USAGE SUMMARY

"that might be" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express a possibility that something is true, or suggest a potential explanation for something. For example: "I think he forgot his wallet at home, but that might be because he's been preoccupied lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Technically, that might be right.

The Economist

For some, that might be true.

The New York Times

(Wait, that might be a good thing).

The New York Times - Sports

What a rogues' gallery that might be.

The New Yorker

At the margins, that might be true.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, he said, that might be possible.

The New York Times

Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration.

Forbes

That might be changing.

The New York Times

That might be expected.

Independent

That might be difficult.

The Economist

"That might be effective.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that might be" to introduce a suggestion, possibility or a tentative explanation, signaling uncertainty or speculation.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple modal verbs or adverbs expressing uncertainty in a single sentence. Overuse can weaken your statement and make your writing seem indecisive. For example, instead of saying "That might possibly be true," consider a stronger, more direct statement or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that might be" primarily functions as a modal phrase. It introduces a proposition with a degree of uncertainty or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that might be" is a versatile and frequently used modal phrase that expresses possibility or uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appears across a wide range of contexts, predominantly in news and media. While alternatives like "that could be" or "that may be" exist, the choice often depends on stylistic preference. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid weakening your statements. It's useful for introducing suggestions or tentative explanations without committing to absolute certainty. The phrase is neither overly formal nor informal, rendering it suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could be

Replaces "might" with "could", another modal verb indicating possibility.

that may be

Substitutes "might" with "may", offering a slightly more formal tone but retaining the same meaning.

that is possibly

Rephrases the modal verb with an adverb, "possibly", to indicate a chance or likelihood.

that is potentially

Similar to "possibly" but emphasizes the potential for something to occur.

that is perhaps

Replaces "might" with the adverb "perhaps" to express uncertainty or possibility.

that is conceivably

Indicates that something is imaginable or believable, though not necessarily likely.

it's possible that

Uses the adjective "possible" to directly indicate that something can happen or be true.

it is plausible that

A more formal way of expressing that something is believable or likely.

it is conceivable that

Emphasizes the ability to imagine or believe something, though it may not be probable.

it's likely that

Indicates a higher degree of probability compared to "might be".

FAQs

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

"That might be" is used to express a possibility or suggestion. For example: "I think I left my keys at the office, but "that might be" at home."

What are some alternatives to "that might be"?

You can use alternatives like "that could be", "that may be", or "that is possibly" depending on the context.

Is "that might be" formal or informal?

"That might be" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for a more precise expression of probability.

Which is correct, "that might be" or "that may be"?

Both ""that might be"" and "that may be" are correct and express possibility. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. "May" is sometimes considered slightly more formal.