Might vs. Maybe — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 18, 2024
"Might" implies a possibility or potentiality, often used to express uncertainty, whereas "maybe" is an adverb used to indicate uncertainty or possibility about a situation.
Difference Between Might and Maybe
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Key Differences
"Might" is a modal verb used to indicate that something is possible or could happen. On the other hand, "maybe" is used as an adverb to speculate about an uncertain outcome or possibility in general conversation.
In usage, "might" combines with another verb to suggest a hypothetical situation, as in "He might go to the party." Whereas "maybe" precedes phrases or clauses, often at the beginning of a sentence, such as "Maybe I will go to the party."
The term "might" is flexible and can imply a smaller or larger degree of possibility based on context, often influenced by tone or additional information. In contrast, "maybe" typically suggests a 50/50 uncertainty without a strong lean towards either outcome.
Grammatically, "might" is part of the verb phrase and changes the meaning of the main verb to express possibility. "Maybe," however, functions as a standalone adverb modifying the entire sentence or clause to indicate doubt or possibility.
"Might" can also express a polite or tentative suggestion, for example, "You might want to check that again," implying a gentle nudge. "Maybe," on the other hand, generally does not carry such connotations of suggestion but rather stays neutral, as in "Maybe it will rain tomorrow."
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Modal verb
Adverb
Usage
Combines with verbs
Used to start sentences or clauses
Example
"She might attend the meeting."
"Maybe she will attend the meeting."
Degree of Certainty
Varies, often less definitive
Generally 50/50
Function
Indicates potentiality
Indicates uncertainty
Compare with Definitions
Might
A modal verb indicating possibility.
You might want to bring an umbrella in case it rains.
Maybe
An adverb indicating uncertainty or possibility.
Maybe we will go out for dinner tonight.
Might
Often used in conditional sentences.
If you asked him, he might help.
Maybe
Used to introduce a tentative statement.
Maybe you should talk to her about this.
Might
Expresses a lower probability when discussing future events.
He might not make it to the event due to traffic.
Maybe
Neutral in suggesting likelihood, generally implying a 50/50 chance.
Maybe it will stop raining soon.
Might
Can be used to give advice or make polite requests.
You might try restarting your computer.
Maybe
Does not combine with other verbs but modifies entire phrases.
Maybe the meeting will be postponed.
Might
Used to suggest potential actions in a subtle way.
They might join us later for dinner.
Maybe
Common in casual conversation and less formal.
Maybe I'm overthinking this.
Might
Past of may
Maybe
Perhaps; possibly
Maybe I won't go back
He was standing maybe 20 or 30 feet away
Might
Used tentatively to ask permission or to express a polite request
Might I just ask one question?
You might just call me Jane, if you don't mind
Maybe
A mere possibility or probability
No ifs, buts, or maybes
Might
Used to express possibility or make a suggestion
This might be true
You might try pain relievers
Maybe
Used to indicate uncertainty or possibility
We should maybe take a different route. Maybe it won't rain.
Might
Great and impressive power or strength, especially of a nation, large organization, or natural force
A convincing display of military might
Maybe
An uncertainty
There are so many maybes involved in playing the stock market.
Might
Great power or force, as of a nation or army.
Maybe
An uncertain reply
It's better to receive a fast and honest no than a drawn-out maybe.
Might
Physical strength
Push with all your might!.
Maybe
Modifies a verb, indicating a lack of certainty: it may be (that)...
Maybe I was imagining it, but I could swear that the dog understood what I was saying.
Might
Power, strength, force or influence held by a person or group.
Maybe
Perhaps that is true expressing no commitment to a decision or a neutral viewpoint to a statement.
Might
(uncountable) Physical strength or force.
He pushed with all his might, but still it would not move.
Maybe
Certainly.
Maybe not the best idea.
Might
(uncountable) The ability to do something.
Maybe
Possible; uncertain.
Might
(obsolete) Mighty; powerful.
Maybe
(informal) Something that is possibly true.
Might
(obsolete) Possible.
Maybe
(informal) An answer that shows neither agreement nor disagreement.
The results of the poll were inconclusive. We got two yeses, three nos, and four maybes.
Might
(auxiliary) Used to indicate conditional or possible actions.
I might go to the party, but I haven't decided yet.
Maybe
(informal) A future event that may or may not happen.
About your raise: it's a big maybe.
Might
(auxiliary) may Used to indicate permission in past tense.
He asked me if he might go to the party, but I haven't decided yet.
Maybe
Perhaps; possibly; peradventure.
Maybe the amorous count solicits her.
In a liberal and, maybe, somewhat reckless way.
Might
(auxiliary) may Used to indicate possibility in past tense.
I thought that I might go the next day.
Maybe
Possible; probable, but not sure.
Then add those maybe years thou hast to live.
Might
Used to indicate a desired past action that was not done.
Hey man, you might have warned me about the thunderstorm.
Maybe
Possibility; uncertainty.
What they offer is mere maybe and shift.
Might
(auxiliary) Even though.
I might be in a wheelchair, but I still want to be treated as a lady.
Maybe
By chance;
Perhaps she will call tomorrow
We may possibly run into them at the concert
It may peradventure be thought that there never was such a time
Might
(auxiliary) Used in polite requests for permission
Might I take the last biscuit?
Might
Used to express certainty.
Yeah, I think we might need something a bit sturdier.
Might
Force or power of any kind, whether of body or mind; energy or intensity of purpose, feeling, or action; means or resources to effect an object; strength; force; power; ability; capacity.
What so strong,But wanting rest, will also want of might?
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Might
Physical strength
Common Curiosities
Can "might" and "maybe" be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different grammatical functions and cannot be directly swapped without altering sentence structure.
What is the main grammatical difference between might and maybe?
"Might" is a modal verb, while "maybe" is an adverb.
How does "might" function in a sentence?
It modifies the verb that follows it, indicating a possibility.
Is "maybe" appropriate for formal writing?
"Maybe" can be used in formal writing but is less common as more definitive words are preferred.
Do "might" and "maybe" express the same level of probability?
Not always; "might" can express varying degrees of probability, whereas "maybe" often implies a 50/50 chance.
How does "maybe" function in a sentence?
It generally modifies the entire sentence, expressing uncertainty about an event or action.
Is "might" more formal than "maybe"?
Yes, "might" tends to be used in more formal contexts, whereas "maybe" is more common in casual conversation.
Can "might" suggest advice?
Yes, "might" can be used to suggest advice gently.
What is an example of "might" in a conditional sentence?
"If you hurry, you might catch the bus."
What is an example of "maybe" starting a sentence?
"Maybe we should start the meeting without him."
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
