Learn English – the difference between “might be” and “would be”

differencemodal-verbs

To me both might and would appear to have similar meaning. E.g. consider the following sentences:.

  1. I think taking some rest after work would be good.
  2. I think taking some rest after work might be good.

The only difference I see is that would sounds more assuring than might. That is, in #1 speaker is more inclined to accept the fact that having some rest will be good, but in #2 speaker isn't sure about it. In #2 it is like 50/50, it can be good and it cannot be.

So, what is the difference between would and might?

Best Answer

As you pointed out, the main (and probably the most striking) difference between 'might be' and 'would be' is in the degree of certainty.

I think taking some rest after work would be good.

'would' is a modal verbs, and is the past tense of 'will'. By using 'will', the certainty of the event happening is most likely. The speaker thinks that taking a rest after work is a good thing to do, and he is almost completely certain that this is advisable.

I think taking some rest after work might be good.

Much like 'would', 'might' is also a modal verb, and is the past tense of 'may'. In terms of certainty, 'might' or 'may' has a lesser degree of certainty, when compared to 'would' or 'will'. The speaker suggests that resting is a good option, after work, and he is certain that this is true, with a hint of probability of the statement's validity.

Other than that, I don't see any striking differences between the two.

A few good reads:

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