that we might

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that we might" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a purpose or intention, often in a more formal or literary context. Example: "We gather here today that we might celebrate our achievements and look forward to the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Turn like that," we might imagine him saying.

The New York Times - Arts

For that, we might get a $30 referral fee.

Forbes

"After that we might encounter different chapters.

Vice

"Frankly, I'm afraid that we might.

The New Yorker

The problem is that we might win".

The New York Times

He died that we might have life.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was "fear that we might lose.

The New Yorker

Some factors suggest that we might.

The New York Times

People guessed that we might be up to no good!

The Guardian - Film

I hoped that we might find a safe haven there.

The Guardian - Opinion

Consequently, it gave us hope that we might succeed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that we might" to clearly express a purpose or desired outcome, especially in formal writing. This construction emphasizes intention.

Common error

While "that we might" is grammatically correct, overusing it in everyday conversation or informal writing can make your language sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "so we can" or "to" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that we might" functions as a subordinate conjunction introducing a purpose clause. It explains the reason or intention behind an action or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in formal and literary contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that we might" is a grammatically correct and functional conjunction used to express purpose or intention, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it appears mainly in News & Media sources, it is considered more formal and less common than alternatives like "so that we can". When writing, consider the context and audience; reserving "that we might" for formal settings ensures clarity and appropriateness. Remember there are a number of related alternatives that will allow you to express the same intention with different degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so that we could

Replaces "might" with "could", suggesting a past possibility or condition.

in order for us to

Emphasizes purpose and direction, providing a more formal tone.

so we can

Uses "can" instead of "might", indicating a higher degree of certainty or ability.

with the aim that we

Highlights the goal or objective, adding a layer of intentionality.

to ensure we may

Implies a condition or requirement that needs to be met.

for the purpose of us

Focuses on the reason or rationale behind an action.

that we may be able to

Adds an element of capability and possibility.

so as we might

Expresses a condition or requirement in order to achieve a goal.

in that way we might

Implies a method or strategy to achieve something.

such that we could

Indicates a consequence or result of a particular action.

FAQs

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

"That we might" is used to express a purpose or reason. For example, "They sacrificed so "that we might be free"."

What is a more common alternative to "that we might"?

A more common and less formal alternative is "so that we can". For instance, instead of "We gather here that we might celebrate", you could say "We gather here so that we can celebrate."

Is "that we might" formal or informal?

"That we might" leans towards formal usage, often found in speeches, formal writing, or literature. In everyday conversation, phrases like "so we can" or "to" are more common.

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

Both "that we might" and "that we may" express purpose, but "might" suggests a lower probability or possibility than "may". "That we might" indicates something desired or hoped for, while "that we may" suggests a higher likelihood.