First Conditional: Probability with May/Might

Think of this structure as a bridge. On one side, you have a real possibility. This is the if clause. On the other side, you have a potential outcome. This is the may or might clause. The if part is the trigger. It is something that could actually happen today or tomorrow. The result part is the "maybe" part. You aren't making a promise. You are making a prediction based on a condition. It is like looking at a cloudy sky. If it gets darker, it might rain. You aren't a weather god. You are just guessing based on evidence. This grammar connects a realistic present condition to a possible future result. It is the perfect tool for planning when you don't have all the facts yet. It keeps your options open.

1. 1Building this sentence is like following a simple recipe.
2. 2Start your sentence with the word if to set the condition.
3. 3Add your condition using the Present Simple tense.
4. 4Use a comma if the if clause comes first. This is important for writing!
5. 5Write your subject for the second part (the result clause).
6. 6Add may or might followed by the base verb (the infinitive without to).
7. 7Do not add -s to the verb, even for he, she, or it.
8. 8To make it negative, just add not after may or might.
9. 9Example: If + it + rains (Present Simple) + , + we + might + stay (Base Verb) + home.

Use this when you are talking about the future. It is perfect for plans that are not 100% set. For example, imagine you are at a restaurant. If the steak is too expensive, you might order the pasta. You haven't decided yet! It is also great for job interviews. If they ask about your salary, you may feel nervous. That is a normal, possible reaction. Use it for weather, travel, and social life. "If the train is late, I might miss the meeting." It shows you are thinking ahead. It shows you understand that things can change. It is also very useful for giving polite suggestions. "If you have time, you might want to check this email." It sounds much softer than "Check this email!"

Do not use this for things that are always true. That is for the Zero Conditional. "If you heat ice, it melts." You don't say "it might melt." It definitely melts every single time! Also, don't use it for the past. This structure is strictly for the future and the present. Don't use it when you are 100% sure of the result. If you have a ticket for a movie, say "I will go." Using "might" makes it sound like you are trying to bail on your friends. Finally, avoid using might or may inside the if clause itself. The uncertainty belongs in the result, not the condition.

The biggest mistake is putting will or might in the if clause. Never say "If I might go." Just say "If I go." Another mistake is using the past tense. "If I went, I might see him" is a different grammar rule (the Second Conditional). Keep the first part in the present. Also, watch out for "might to." Modals never take "to." It is just "might see" or "may go." Yes, even native speakers mess this up when they are tired! Another common slip is forgetting the comma when the if clause starts the sentence. If you flip the sentence around, you don't need the comma. "I might go if I have time" is perfectly fine without one.

Compare "If I see him, I will tell him" with "If I see him, I might tell him." The first one is a promise. The second one depends on your mood. May is slightly more formal than might. In casual conversation, most people use might. Could is also similar, but it focuses more on ability or opportunity. Might focuses strictly on the chance of it happening. Think of will as 100% sure, may as 50% sure, and might as 30-40% sure. It is a sliding scale of confidence. If you want to sound very professional in a business email, may is your best friend. If you are chatting with a friend about weekend plans, might is the way to go.