What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
could
Example
I could swim when I was younger. [could: past tense]
Example
Could I borrow your pen, please? [could: modal verb for making a polite request]
Example
If we leave now, we could make it to the movie on time. [could: suggesting a hypothetical situation]
might
Example
It might rain later, so bring an umbrella. [might: expressing a possibility in the future]
Example
You might want to try the seafood pasta, it's really good. [might: making a suggestion]
Example
I might be wrong, but I don't think we've met before. [might: expressing doubt or uncertainty]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Could is more common and versatile in everyday language, while might is less common and often used in more formal or academic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between could and might?
Might is considered more formal and polite than could, making it suitable for use in professional or academic settings.
