"may" vs "might"

Question

"may" vs "might"

Both 'may' and 'might' are modal verbs used to express possibility or permission. 'May' is more commonly used to express permission or possibility in the present or future, while 'might' is often used to express a more tentative or less likely possibility. The choice between 'may' and 'might' depends on the context and the level of certainty the speaker wants to convey.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Use 'may' to express permission or possibility in the present or future. For example, 'You may leave the room now' (permission) or 'It may rain tomorrow' (possibility).

Examples:

You may go to the party if you finish your homework.
May I borrow your pen?
It may take a few days for the package to arrive.
She may be late for the meeting.
May I ask you a question?

Alternatives:

can
could
might
shall

Use 'might' to express a more tentative or less likely possibility. For example, 'She might come to the party if she finishes work early.'

Examples:

I might go to the concert if I can get a ticket.
He might be able to help you with your project.
It might rain later, so bring an umbrella.
She might have forgotten about the meeting.
I might have left my keys at home.

Alternatives:

may
could
would
should

Answer 1

may

The word 'may' is a modal verb used to express permission or possibility in the present or future.

Answer 2

might

The word 'might' is a modal verb used to express a more tentative or less likely possibility.

"may" vs "might"

may

might

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