Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'may' or 'might' in the result clause when you aren't 100% sure what will happen.
- Use Present Simple after 'if' (If it rains...).
- Use 'may' or 'might' + base verb for the result (I might stay).
- Never use 'will' in the 'if' part of the sentence.
Overview
If the driver gets lost, my food might be cold (드라이버가 길을 잃으면 음식이 식을지도 몰라)'라고 생각해 본 적 있나요? 아니면 친구에게 'If I finish this Netflix show tonight, I may actually wake up early tomorrow (오늘 밤 이 넷플릭스 쇼를 다 보면 내일 정말 일찍 일어날지도 몰라)'라고 문자를 보낸 적은요? 그렇다면 여러분은 이미 may와 might를 사용한 1차 가정문(first conditional)을 사용하고 있는 것입니다.will과 달리, may와 might는 현실적인 의심의 층을 더합니다.How This Grammar Works
if 부분)이고, 두 번째 부분은 가능한 결과입니다. may나 might를 사용할 때 우리는 듣는 사람에게 그 결과가 가능은 하지만 확실하지는 않다고 말하는 것입니다.may와 might는 정확히 중간인 40-60% 정도에 위치합니다. 언어적인 '어깨 으쓱하기'와 같죠. If I study, I will passIf I study, I might passI might finish it by 5 PM (5시까지 끝낼 수도 있어요)
Formation Pattern
if 절: if + 현재 시제(Present Simple)를 사용합니다. 미래에 대해 이야기하고 있더라도 이 부분에는 *절대로* will이나 might를 사용하지 않습니다. 항상 If I go, If she calls입니다.
may 또는 might + 동사 원형(to 없음, -ing 없음, -s 없음)을 사용합니다.
We might stay in if it rains.if가 중간에 올 때는 쉼표(,)가 필요 없다는 점에 유의하세요. 쉼표는 문장의 뒷부분을 위해 문을 열어두는 역할만 하는 셈이니까요.
When To Use It
- SNS:
If I post this photo, I might get a few likes.(이 사진을 올리면 좋아요를 몇 개 받을지도 몰라.) - 업무/대학:
If the professor is in a good mood, he may extend the deadline.(교수님 기분이 좋으면 마감 기한을 연장해 주실지도 몰라.) - 게임:
If I find the legendary sword, I might actually win this round.(전설의 검을 찾으면 이번 라운드에서 정말 이길지도 몰라.) - 여행:
If the flight is delayed, we may miss our connection.(비행기가 연체되면 환승편을 놓칠지도 몰라.)
I might be able to help (도와줄 수 있을지도 몰라요)If I have time next week, we might meet (다음 주에 시간 되면 만날지도 몰라요)
Common Mistakes
might will이나 may will이라고 말하지 마세요. 하나만 선택하세요!- ✗
If it rains, it might will be cold.(틀림! 하나만 골라요.) - ✓
If it rains, it might be cold.
if 절에 will을 넣는 것입니다.- ✗
If I will see her, I might tell her. - ✓
If I see her, I might tell her.
if 절은 '닻'이라고 생각하세요. 단순해야 합니다.may와 might는 he, she, it에 따라 변하지 않는다는 점을 잊지 마세요. mights라는 말은 없습니다. She mights goShe might go.Contrast With Similar Patterns
will을 사용하는 것과 어떻게 다를까요? 간단합니다. 확률입니다.If I go to the party, I will see him.(100% 확률. 확실합니다.)If I go to the party, I might see him.(50% 확률. 그가 거기 있을 수도 있고, 집에서 넷플릭스를 보고 있을 수도 있습니다.)
can은 어떨까요? can은 능력에 관한 것입니다. If I have money, I can buy itIf I have money, I may buy itIf I won the lottery, I might travel)과 혼동하지 마세요. 2차 가정문은 꿈이나 불가능한 일을 위한 것입니다. 1차 가정문(이번 규칙)은 실제 가능성을 위한 것입니다. 만약 지금 정말로 복권 한 장을 손에 쥐고 있다면 이번 규칙을 사용하세요! 인스턴트 라면을 먹으면서 공상만 하고 있다면 2차 가정문을 사용하세요.Quick FAQ
might가 may보다 더 '아마도'인가요?
엄밀히 말하면 might가 may보다 약간 덜 확실하지만, 2024년 현재 대부분의 사람들은 이들을 혼용해서 사용합니다. 너무 신경 쓰지 마세요.
대신 could를 써도 되나요?
네, could도 가능성을 나타내지만, 주로 '능력'이나 '기회'에 더 중점을 둡니다.
면접에서 써도 되나요?
물론이죠. 현실적이라는 인상을 줄 수 있습니다.
If I am hired, I may be able to start on Monday.might의 부정형은 뭔가요?
might not입니다. 글을 쓸 때 mightn't는 피하세요. 19세기 소설 속 인물처럼 들릴 수 있거든요. 현대적이고 쿨한 느낌을 주려면 might not을 고수하세요.
Memory Trick
MIGHT라는 단어를 Maybe I Guess He Thinks (아마도 내 생각엔 그가 그렇게 생각하는 것 같아)의 약자라고 생각하세요. '아마도'를 위한 단어입니다! 아니면 그냥 Might is Light라고 기억하세요. 무거운 약속이 아니라 가벼운 가능성입니다.
Real Conversations
대화 1: 단톡방
샘
알렉스
If I can get the day off work, I might come. (일 쉬게 되면 갈지도 몰라.)샘
If you come, we may need to book a bigger Airbnb. (네가 오면 더 큰 에어비앤비를 예약해야 할지도 모르겠다.)대화 2: 기술 지원
사용자
지원팀
If you restart it, it might fix the bug. (재부팅하면 버그가 고쳐질지도 몰라요.)사용자
지원팀
Then we may have to reset the whole system. (그럼 시스템 전체를 초기화해야 할지도 몰라요.)Progressive Practice
초급: 문장을 완성하세요: If it ________ (be) sunny, I might go for a run. (정답: is)
중급: 이 확실한 문장을 '아마도' 문장으로 바꾸세요: If she calls, I will answer. (정답: If she calls, I might answer.)
고급: if, 현재 시제, may를 사용하여 여러분의 주말에 대한 문장을 써보세요. (예: If I feel productive, I may clean my room.)
Gender & Agreement
may나 might 같은 조동사는 성별이나 인칭에 관계없이 동일합니다.- I
may - You
may - He/She/It
may('s' 안 붙임!)
if 절의 관사만 주의하면 됩니다. 예: If the a dog barks, I might wake up.Structure of the First Conditional with Modals
| Clause Type | Conjunction | Subject | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Condition Clause
|
If
|
I / You / He / She / It / We / They
|
Present Simple
|
If she arrives...
|
|
Result Clause (Affirmative)
|
-
|
Subject
|
may/might + base verb
|
...she might stay.
|
|
Result Clause (Negative)
|
-
|
Subject
|
may/might + not + base verb
|
...she might not stay.
|
Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
|
might not
|
mightn't
|
Very rare, mostly British English, formal/old-fashioned.
|
|
may not
|
None
|
Cannot be contracted in this context.
|
Meanings
A variation of the First Conditional used to express a possible (but not certain) consequence of a future condition.
Future Possibility
Expressing that a result is possible if a condition is met.
“If we leave now, we might catch the train.”
“If she studies hard, she may pass the exam.”
Polite Suggestions
Using a conditional structure to suggest a possible course of action tentatively.
“If you have time, you might want to check this report.”
“If you're looking for a gift, you may find something in that shop.”
Warning of Risks
Highlighting a potential negative outcome that isn't guaranteed but is possible.
“If you don't wear a coat, you might catch a cold.”
“If we don't hurry, we may lose our reservation.”
Reference Table
| 조건절 (If 절) | 주절 (결과) | 확실성 수준 | 예시 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
will + base verb
|
High
|
If I study, I will pass.
|
|
Present Simple
|
will probably + base verb
|
Medium-High
|
If I study, I will probably pass.
|
|
Present Simple
|
will maybe + base verb
|
Medium-Low
|
If I study, I will maybe pass.
|
|
Present Simple
|
may + base verb
|
Low-Medium
|
If I study, I may pass.
|
|
Present Simple
|
might + base verb
|
Low
|
If I study, I might pass.
|
|
Present Simple
|
won't probably + base verb
|
Medium-High (Negative)
|
If it's late, she probably won't come.
|
|
Present Simple
|
may not + base verb
|
Low-Medium (Negative)
|
If it's late, she may not come.
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
If my schedule permits, I may attend the gala. (Social planning)
If I finish work, I might go to the party. (Social planning)
If I'm done, I might show up. (Social planning)
If I'm free, I might hit up that bash. (Social planning)
첫 번째 조건문: 확실성의 정도
높은 확실성
- Will If it rains, I will stay home.
중간-높은 확실성
- Will Probably If it rains, I will probably stay home.
중간-낮은 확실성
- Will Maybe If it rains, I will maybe stay home.
낮은-중간 확실성
- May If it rains, I may stay home.
낮은 확실성
- Might If it rains, I might stay home.
조동사 비교: May vs. Might vs. Will Probably
조건문 수식어 선택 흐름도
조건이 실제 미래 가능성인가요?
결과에 대해 매우 확실한가요?
결과가 매우 가능하지만 100% 확실하지는 않나요?
결과가 어느 정도 가능하거나 많이 망설여지나요?
불확실한 첫 번째 조건문 사용 맥락
계획
- • 유동적인 일정
- • 예비 계획
조언
- • 조심스러운 제안
- • 부드러운 권고
예측
- • 추측성 결과
- • 일기예보
사회생활
- • 친구에게 문자하기
- • 가벼운 대화
수준별 예문
If it is sunny, I might go out.
If it is sunny, I might go out.
If I am hungry, I may eat a snack.
If I am hungry, I may eat a snack.
If she is late, we might wait.
If she is late, we might wait.
If you are tired, you might sleep.
If you are tired, you might sleep.
If I see him, I might tell him the news.
If I see him, I might tell him the news.
If we don't hurry, we may miss the bus.
If we don't hurry, we may miss the bus.
If it rains tomorrow, I might not go to the park.
If it rains tomorrow, I might not go to the park.
If you study, you may get a good grade.
If you study, you may get a good grade.
If the company expands, they might hire more staff.
If the company expands, they might hire more staff.
If you don't follow the instructions, the machine may break.
If you don't follow the instructions, the machine may break.
If we save enough money, we might go to Italy next summer.
If we save enough money, we might go to Italy next summer.
If he doesn't call soon, I might start to worry.
If he doesn't call soon, I might start to worry.
If the interest rates rise, the housing market may suffer a decline.
If the interest rates rise, the housing market may suffer a decline.
If you invest in this stock, you might see a significant return.
If you invest in this stock, you might see a significant return.
If the negotiations fail, the workers might go on strike.
If the negotiations fail, the workers might go on strike.
If she continues to perform this well, she may be promoted by year-end.
If she continues to perform this well, she may be promoted by year-end.
If the data is misinterpreted, the entire study may be rendered invalid.
If the data is misinterpreted, the entire study may be rendered invalid.
If we overlook these minor details, we might jeopardize the whole project.
If we overlook these minor details, we might jeopardize the whole project.
If the government intervenes, the market dynamics might shift unpredictably.
If the government intervenes, the market dynamics might shift unpredictably.
If you choose to ignore the warning signs, you may well regret it later.
If you choose to ignore the warning signs, you may well regret it later.
If the philosophical premise is flawed, the subsequent arguments may crumble under scrutiny.
If the philosophical premise is flawed, the subsequent arguments may crumble under scrutiny.
If the protagonist makes that choice, the narrative might take a darker turn.
If the protagonist makes that choice, the narrative might take a darker turn.
If we concede this point, we might inadvertently undermine our entire legal position.
If we concede this point, we might inadvertently undermine our entire legal position.
If the ecosystem is disrupted further, certain species may face imminent extinction.
If the ecosystem is disrupted further, certain species may face imminent extinction.
혼동하기 쉬운
Learners use 'will' when they aren't actually sure of the result.
Learners use 'If I might...' instead of 'If I were...'.
자주 하는 실수
If it will rain, I might stay.
If it rains, I might stay.
If I see her, I might to go.
If I see her, I might go.
If he might come, I will be happy.
If he comes, I might be happy.
If it rains, I mightn't go.
If it rains, I might not go.
문장 패턴
If it ___, I might ___.
If I have enough ___, I may ___.
Real World Usage
If the cold front moves in, it might snow.
If I am hired, I may be able to start immediately.
If I'm not too tired, I might come over.
If you take this medicine, you might feel dizzy.
If you restart the router, the signal may improve.
If the flight is overbooked, some passengers may be moved.
얼마나 확실한지 표현하기
If I study, I will probably pass.(더 확실),
If I study, I may pass.(덜 확실)
'will'과 'may'/'might'는 같이 쓰지 마세요!
I will may go.(X),
I may go. (O)'Maybe'의 위치
Maybe if it rains, we will stay home.,
We will maybe go home.
공손함과 부드러운 표현
You may want to consider this option.
'만약 ~라면?'으로 연습하기
What if I miss my flight? I might have to rebook.
Smart Tips
Always use 'might' instead of 'will' to avoid making promises you can't keep.
Use 'may' instead of 'might' to sound more professional.
Check if 'will' is in the 'if' clause. If it is, move it or remove it!
Use 'might' to sound like you are giving helpful advice rather than a threat.
발음
The 't' in Might
In fast speech, the 't' at the end of 'might' is often a 'stop t' (not fully pronounced) if the next word starts with a consonant.
Rising-Falling
If it rains (rise), I might stay home (fall).
The rise shows the condition is unfinished; the fall shows the result is the end of the thought.
암기하기
기억법
M&M: May and Might mean Maybe.
시각적 연상
Imagine a weather vane spinning in the wind. It could point North, or it might point South. The 'If' is the wind, and the 'Might' is the uncertain direction.
Rhyme
If the sun is bright, I just might. If the sky is gray, I may stay.
Story
A traveler stands at a crossroads. If he takes the left path, he might find a village. If he takes the right, he may find a forest. He isn't sure, so he uses 'might' and 'may' to plan his journey.
Word Web
챌린지
Write three sentences about your plans for next weekend using 'If... I might...'. Make sure one is about the weather, one about work/study, and one about a hobby.
문화 노트
British speakers use 'might' very frequently to sound polite and indirect, avoiding being too assertive.
Americans use 'might' and 'maybe' interchangeably, but 'may' is almost exclusively reserved for formal writing or permission.
In international business, using 'might' is a way to 'under-promise and over-deliver'. It manages expectations.
The word 'might' comes from the Old English 'mihte', the past tense of 'magan' (to be able).
대화 시작하기
If you win the lottery tomorrow, what might you buy first?
If the weather is perfect this weekend, what might you do?
If you could change your job, what career may you choose?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
If she studies hard, she ___ pass the exam.
Find and fix the mistake:
If I finish work early, I will might join you.
Translate into English: 'Si hace sol mañana, probablemente iremos a la playa.'
Answer starts with: ["I...
Choose the correct sentence:
Score: /4
연습 문제
8 exercisesIf we leave now, we ___ catch the early bus, but I'm not sure.
If he ___ (study) more, he might pass the test.
Find and fix the mistake:
If it will be sunny, we might go to the beach.
Maybe I will call you if I have time.
1. If you eat too much... 2. If you save money... 3. If it rains...
A: Are you coming to the party? B: If I finish my essay, I ___.
Sort these sentences.
You can use 'might' in both the 'if' clause and the result clause.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesIf the traffic is bad, I ___ be late for the meeting.
If it will rain, we might cancel the picnic.
Translate into English: 'Si ella estudia, quizás apruebe el examen.'
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the conditions to their possible results:
If it snows tonight, schools ___ close tomorrow.
Maybe if he comes, we will go.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Si compras eso, probablemente te arrepentirás.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the first half of the sentence to its second half:
If you don't eat now, you ___ feel hungry later.
Score: /13
자주 묻는 질문 (8)
In modern English, there is almost no difference. `Might` is more common in speech, while `may` is slightly more formal. Some grammarians say `might` is even less certain than `may`, but most people use them the same way.
Yes! `Could` also expresses possibility. 'If it rains, we could stay home' means it is a possible option for us.
The `if` clause sets the condition, which is usually treated as a factual possibility in the Present Simple. Adding a modal of uncertainty like `might` inside the condition makes the sentence grammatically redundant and confusing.
Yes, it is the contraction of `might not`. However, it is very rare. It's better to use `might not` to sound more natural.
Yes! You can say 'I might go if I have time.' Just remember that if the `if` clause comes second, you don't need a comma.
No. In this conditional structure, `may` refers to probability, not permission. 'If it rains, I may stay' means 'maybe I will stay', not 'I am allowed to stay'.
We usually use 'Do you think...?' For example: 'Do you think you might come if I invite you?' Starting a question with 'Might you...?' sounds very old-fashioned.
No. The First Conditional (with might) is for real possibilities. The Second Conditional (If I won...) is for imaginary or impossible situations.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Si + presente + puede que + subjuntivo
English uses a modal verb; Spanish often triggers the subjunctive mood.
Si + présent + futur (avec 'peut-être')
French relies on adverbs rather than a distinct modal conjugation.
Wenn + Präsens + vielleicht + Futur
German word order (V2) changes the position of the verb in the result clause.
~tara, ~kamoshirenai
The 'might' equivalent comes at the end of the sentence in Japanese.
Idha + present + qad + present
The particle 'qad' changes meaning based on the tense of the following verb.
Ruguo... jiu keneng...
No verb conjugation or tense markers are used in Chinese.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
관련 동영상
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