Might vs. Maybe: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Might" is a modal verb indicating possibility, while "Maybe" is an adverb suggesting uncertainty or doubt.
Key Differences
"Might" and "Maybe" both allude to uncertainty, yet they operate differently within sentences. "Might" is classified as a modal verb and is used with a main verb to express possibility. For example, "She might attend the party" shows that there's a chance she will go, but it's not confirmed. In this case, "Might" serves to modulate the certainty of the action conveyed by the main verb.
Conversely, "Maybe" stands as an adverb and typically starts a sentence or is placed before the main verb. For instance, "Maybe I'll go to the store" or "I will maybe go to the store." Here, "Maybe" introduces the entire statement's tentative nature, marking the entire action with an element of doubt.
In essence, while "Might" pairs with another verb to convey potentiality, "Maybe" independently introduces uncertainty to a statement. For example, "He might come" and "Maybe he'll come" essentially communicate the same level of uncertainty, but their construction is distinct.
Furthermore, beyond their grammatical roles, these words also diverge slightly in tone and emphasis. "Might" often implies a slightly higher degree of possibility than "Maybe." For instance, "He might know the answer" seems to suggest he likely knows, whereas "Maybe he knows the answer" feels more noncommittal.
Lastly, understanding the nuances between "Might" and "Maybe" is crucial for effective communication. By choosing one over the other, a speaker or writer can subtly shift the perceived likelihood of an event or action, thereby influencing the message's reception.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Modal verb
Adverb
Usage
Used with a main verb
Starts a sentence or placed before the main verb
Expresses
Possibility
Uncertainty
Example
He might come to the party.
Maybe he'll come to the party.
Tone
Slightly stronger indication of possibility
More noncommittal
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Might and Maybe Definitions
Might
A way to express uncertainty in actions or outcomes.
I might finish this by tomorrow.
Maybe
An informal way to indicate that something is not definite.
Maybe we'll see.
Might
A term used in making polite requests.
Might I borrow your pen?
Maybe
A term introducing a suggestion.
Maybe try turning it off and on again.
Might
A modal verb used to indicate possibility.
She might travel next summer.
Maybe
A synonym for "perhaps."
Maybe he's just tired.
Might
An alternative to "may" in indicating potentiality.
He might have known about it.
Maybe
An adverb suggesting uncertainty or doubt.
Maybe it'll rain later.
Might
An expression suggesting a lesser likelihood.
They might not agree with us.
Maybe
A word used to express a possibility.
Maybe she forgot her keys.
Might
Great power or force, as of a nation or army.
Maybe
Used to indicate uncertainty or possibility
We should maybe take a different route. Maybe it won't rain.
Might
Physical strength
Push with all your might!.
Maybe
An uncertainty
There are so many maybes involved in playing the stock market.
Might
Power, strength, force or influence held by a person or group.
Maybe
An uncertain reply
It's better to receive a fast and honest no than a drawn-out maybe.
Might
(uncountable) Physical strength or force.
He pushed with all his might, but still it would not move.
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
(uncountable) The ability to do something.
Maybe
Perhaps that is true expressing no commitment to a decision or a neutral viewpoint to a statement.
Might
(obsolete) Mighty; powerful.
Maybe
Certainly.
Maybe not the best idea.
Might
(obsolete) Possible.
Maybe
Possible; uncertain.
Might
(auxiliary) Used to indicate conditional or possible actions.
I might go to the party, but I haven't decided yet.
Maybe
(informal) Something that is possibly true.
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
(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) may Used to indicate possibility in past tense.
I thought that I might go the next day.
Maybe
(informal) A future event that may or may not happen.
About your raise: it's a big maybe.
Might
Used to indicate a desired past action that was not done.
Hey man, you might have warned me about the thunderstorm.
Maybe
Perhaps; possibly; peradventure.
Maybe the amorous count solicits her.
In a liberal and, maybe, somewhat reckless way.
Might
(auxiliary) Even though.
I might be in a wheelchair, but I still want to be treated as a lady.
Maybe
Possible; probable, but not sure.
Then add those maybe years thou hast to live.
Might
(auxiliary) Used in polite requests for permission
Might I take the last biscuit?
Maybe
Possibility; uncertainty.
What they offer is mere maybe and shift.
Might
Used to express certainty.
Yeah, I think we might need something a bit sturdier.
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
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
FAQs
Which indicates a stronger possibility: "Might" or "Maybe"?
"Might" often implies a slightly higher degree of possibility than "Maybe."
Can "Might" and "Maybe" be used interchangeably?
While they both convey uncertainty, they serve different grammatical roles and aren't always interchangeable.
Does "Maybe" always start a sentence?
No, "Maybe" can also be placed before the main verb, e.g., "I maybe will go."
How does "Might" differ from "May"?
Both are modal verbs indicating possibility, but "Might" often suggests a lesser likelihood than "May."
What part of speech is "Might"?
"Might" is a modal verb.
Is "Maybe" an informal term?
While "Maybe" is generally neutral, "Perhaps" is seen as its more formal counterpart.
How is "Maybe" typically used in a sentence?
"Maybe" is an adverb, often starting a sentence or placed before the main verb to indicate uncertainty.
Is "Might" used in past tense situations?
"Might" can be used for past situations to express uncertainty, e.g., "He might have seen it."
Is there a formal alternative to "Maybe"?
"Perhaps" is a more formal synonym for "Maybe."
Can "Might" be used to make a request?
Yes, "Might" can be used in polite requests, e.g., "Might I ask a question?"
How can "Might" express doubt?
By using "might not," as in "He might not come."
What's an example of "Maybe" expressing suggestion?
"Maybe you should rest."
Can "Maybe" be used to agree with someone?
Yes, "Maybe" can be used as an informal agreement, akin to saying "Perhaps."
Does "Maybe" have other synonyms besides "Perhaps"?
Yes, "Possibly" can also be synonymous with "Maybe."
Can "Might" be used in questions?
Yes, e.g., "Might she be joining us?"
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
