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May & Might

Express possibility, uncertainty, and ask for permission

What are May and Might?

"May" and "might" both express possibility and uncertainty. "Might" is often slightly less certain than "may," but they're very similar. "May" is also used for formal permission.

Compare: "It will rain" (certain) vs. "It may rain" (possible) vs. "It might rain" (less likely/less certain).

When to Use MAY

1. Possibility (Something Is Possible)

Express that something is possible in present or future.

Examples

  • It may rain later. (it's possible)
  • She may be at home now.
  • This may be the answer.
  • We may go to the beach tomorrow.
  • They may arrive late.
  • The store may be closed.

2. Formal Permission (Asking and Giving)

Ask for or give permission formally.

Examples

  • May I use your phone? (formal request)
  • May I ask a question?
  • You may leave now. (giving permission)
  • Students may use the library until 9 PM.
  • May we come in?

3. Wishes and Hopes (Formal)

Express formal wishes and blessings.

Examples

  • May you have a happy birthday! (formal wish)
  • May all your dreams come true.
  • May the best team win!
  • May you rest in peace.

When to Use MIGHT

1. Possibility (Slightly Less Certain Than May)

Express possibility with slightly more uncertainty.

Examples

  • It might rain later. (possible, but less sure)
  • She might be sleeping.
  • I might go to the party, I'm not sure.
  • They might not come.
  • This might work, let's try it.
  • We might need more time.

2. Suggestions (Tentative)

Make gentle suggestions or recommendations.

Examples

  • You might want to call her. (gentle suggestion)
  • We might try the other route.
  • You might like this book.
  • It might be better to wait.

3. Hypothetical Situations (Conditionals)

Use in conditional sentences for uncertain results.

Examples

  • If you studied harder, you might pass.
  • If I had more time, I might help you.
  • If it was cheaper, I might buy it.
  • You might succeed if you try.

4. Past Possibility (Might Have)

Speculate about past possibilities.

Examples

  • She might have forgotten. (it's possible she forgot)
  • They might have left already.
  • I might have made a mistake.
  • He might have been sleeping.

Formation

MAY - Positive

Subject + may + base verb
  • I may go to the party.
  • She may call you later.
  • It may rain tomorrow.
  • We may need help.
  • They may arrive late.

MAY - Negative

Subject + may not + base verb
  • I may not be able to come.
  • She may not know the answer.
  • It may not work.
  • They may not have time.

MIGHT - Positive

Subject + might + base verb
  • I might stay home tonight.
  • She might be busy.
  • It might snow tomorrow.
  • We might try calling again.

MIGHT - Negative

Subject + might not (mightn't) + base verb
  • I might not go.
  • She might not agree.
  • It might not be true.
  • They mightn't come. (rare)

Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ It may rains. → ✅ It may rain. (base form after modals)
  • ❌ She may to come. → ✅ She may come. (no "to" after may/might)
  • ❌ I might went. → ✅ I might go. (base form)
  • ❌ He mays come. → ✅ He may come. (no -s on modals)
  • ❌ May you help me? → ✅ Could you help me? (use "could" for requests, not "may")
  • ❌ I don't may go. → ✅ I may not go.
  • ❌ She might can come. → ✅ She might be able to come. (can't use two modals)
  • ❌ Might I to ask? → ✅ Might I ask? (no "to")

Practice Tips

Practice Tips

  • 🎯 Certainty scale: Will (100% certain) > May (60-70%) > Might (40-50%) > Could (30-40%). Use the modal that matches your certainty level.
  • 🙏 Permission: For permission, "May I...?" is formal. "Can I...?" is informal and more common in everyday English.
  • 💡 Interchangeable: In most cases, "may" and "might" are interchangeable for possibility. "Might" is slightly less certain.
  • 📝 No questions: We rarely use "Might you...?" or "May you...?" for asking about possibility. Instead say: "Do you think you might...?"
  • ⏱️ Past possibility: Use "might have" for past possibilities: "She might have left already."

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