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Might "Might" is a modal verb most commonly used to express possibility. It is also often used in conditional sentences. English speakers can also use "might" to make suggestions or requests, although this is less common in American English. Examples:    

Your purse might be in the living room. possibility If I didn't have to work, I might go with you. conditional You might visit the botanical gardens during your visit. suggestion Might I borrow your pen? request

Using "Might" in Present, Past, and Future Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "might" behaves in different contexts. Modal Use

might  possibility

might  conditional of may

Positive Forms 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future

Negative Forms 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future

Also use:

1. She might be on the bus. I think her car is having problems.

1. She might not be on the bus. She might could,  be walking home. may

2. She might have taken the bus. I'm not sure how she got to work.

2. She might not have taken the bus. She might have walked home.

3. She might take the bus to get home. I don't think Bill will be able to give her a ride.

3. She might not take the bus. She might get a ride from Bill.

1. If I entered the contest, I might actually win.

1. Even if I entered the contest, I might not win.

2. If I had entered the contest, I might actually have won.

2. Even if I had entered the contest, I might not have won.

3. If I entered the contest tomorrow, I 3. Even if I entered the contest tomorrow, I might actually win. Unfortunately, I can't might not win. enter it.

might  suggestion

might  request (British form)

1. NO PRESENT FORM

1. NO PRESENT FORM

2. You might have tried the cheese cake.

2. PAST FORM UNCOMMON

3. You might try the cheesecake.

3. You might not want to eat the cheese cake. It's very calorific.

Might I have something to drink?

 NEGATIVE FORMS UNCOMMON

Might I borrow the stapler? Requests usually refer to the near future.

could

could,  may,  can

REMEMBER: "Might not" vs. "Could not" 

"Might not" suggests you do not know if something happens. "Could not" suggests that it is impossible for something to happen. Examples:  

Jack might not have the key. Maybe he does not have the key. Jack could not have the key. It is impossible that he has the key.

1 - Jack might not have the key. I am not sure. 2 - Jack could not have the key.  It is impossible that he has the key. Because the key is with me. She might not approve the budget. I am not sure. She could not approve the budget. It is impossible. There are not any funds for the project.

It might not work on the platform now It could not work because it does not appeal to the audience.