Will vs. might

[Evren]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #58 "Chit Chat: At the restaurant", question 2

Diner: I was thinking I ......... try the soup.

(a) can
(b) will
(c) ought to
(d) might

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #58 "Chit Chat: At the restaurant", answer 2

Diner: I was thinking I might try the soup.

Correct answer: (d) might
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Why don't we say will instead of might?

Evren

[Alan]

Hi Evren,

Will wouldn't work here after I was thinking. If you wanted to show the same idea, it would have to be: I was thinking I would try the soup. You need might here to show that this would probably be the choice.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Conditionals

[Zellzacks]

Hi,

Why cannot use 'ought to'?

Thank you

[Khanhphamqn]

Yes, I agreed with Zellzacks
How about 'ought to' Can we use it ?
Thanks

[Kitosdad]

If you use " ought to " then you negate the thinking about it. You are removing the thought and replacing it will a strong compulsion.

" I think you should try the soup. You may like it."

" You ought to try the soup, you'll like it."
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Englishman living in Germany.