Processing keyword: ~을/ㄹ지도 모르다 [eul/ljido moreuda] (Might)

Korean Grammar Point: ~을/ㄹ지도 모르다 [eul/ljido moreuda] (Might)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing possibility or uncertainty is essential for everyday conversations. The grammar pattern ~을/ㄹ지도 모르다 is commonly used to indicate that something might happen or that someone might do something. In this lesson, we'll explore how to use this grammar point effectively.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The expression ~을/ㄹ지도 모르다 translates to "might, may, or it's possible that" in English. It conveys the speaker's uncertainty about an action or event.

Structure

To form this expression, attach ~을지도 모르다 or ~ㄹ지도 모르다 to the verb stem.

Formation Diagram:

Verb Ending	Attachment	Example Verb	Grammar Form	Meaning
Verb stem ending with a consonant	~을지도 모르다	먹다 (to eat)	먹을지도 모르다	might eat
Verb stem ending with a vowel	~ㄹ지도 모르다	가다 (to go)	가ㄹ지도 모르다	might go

Detailed Explanation

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without the -다 ending.
• ~을/ㄹ지도 모르다:
  • 을지도 모르다: Used after verb stems ending with a consonant.
  • ㄹ지도 모르다: Used after verb stems ending with a vowel. The verb 모르다 means "to not know." When combined, the expression literally means "I don't know if...", but it is used to express uncertainty, similar to "might" in English.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~을/ㄹ 거예요 (Future Tense)

• ~을/ㄹ 거예요: Expresses a strong intention or a high probability of future action.
  • Example: 내일 비가 올 거예요. (It will rain tomorrow.)
• ~을/ㄹ지도 모르다: Indicates possibility with uncertainty.
  • Example: 내일 비가 올지도 몰라요. (It might rain tomorrow.)

Comparison with 겠

• 겠: Can express speculation or supposition.
  • Example: 그 사람이 오겠어요. (That person might come.)
• ~을/ㄹ지도 모르다: Specifically emphasizes uncertainty.
  • Example: 그 사람이 올지도 몰라요. (That person might come.)

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 회의가 연기될지도 모릅니다.
   • The meeting might be postponed.
2. 그분이 참석하실지도 모릅니다.
   • He/She might attend.

Informal Context

1. 비가 올지도 몰라. 우산 가져가.
   • It might rain. Take an umbrella.
2. 늦을지도 모르니까 먼저 가자.
   • We might be late, so let's go first.

Written Context

1. 이 약을 먹으면 졸음이 올지도 모른다.
   • Taking this medicine might cause drowsiness.
2. 계획이 변경될지도 모르니 확인하세요.
   • Please check since the plans might change.

Spoken Context

1. 그 영화 재미있을지도 몰라요.
   • That movie might be interesting.
2. 지금 출발하면 길이 막힐지도 몰라요.
   • If we leave now, we might hit traffic.

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• The ending ~요 is added for politeness in spoken Korean.
  • Example: 갈지도 몰라요. (I might go.)
• For formal situations, use ~입니다/습니다.
  • Example: 갈지도 모릅니다.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 누가 알겠어요? 내일은 더 나을지도 몰라요.
  • Who knows? Tomorrow might be better.
• Reflects the Korean cultural tendency to be humble and avoid making definitive statements without certainty.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Forgetting to adjust 을/ㄹ based on the verb stem ending.
   • Incorrect: 가을지도 모르다 (Incorrect because 가 ends with a vowel.)
   • Correct: 가ㄹ지도 모르다
2. Confusing with future tense ~을/ㄹ 거예요 which expresses more certainty.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that 모르다 means "to not know," so using ~을/ㄹ지도 모르다 implies "I don't know if..., but it might..."
• Practice: Create sentences using verbs you commonly use to get familiar with the pattern.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~을/ㄹ지도 모르다 is used to express possibility or uncertainty, equivalent to "might" or "may" in English.
• Attach ~을지도 모르다 after consonant-ending verb stems and ~ㄹ지도 모르다 after vowel-ending verb stems.
• It conveys a sense of uncertainty and is polite to use in various contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "He might not come" using ~을/ㄹ지도 모르다?
2. Choose the correct form: 먹다 + ~을/ㄹ지도 모르다 = 먹___지도 모르다.
3. Translate to Korean: "It might snow tomorrow."

Answers:

1. 그가 안 올지도 몰라요.
2. 먹을지도 모르다.
3. 내일 눈이 올지도 몰라요.

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By mastering ~을/ㄹ지도 모르다, you can express uncertainty and possibilities more naturally in Korean. Practice by making sentences about everyday situations that might happen!

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