May or Might
The two words “may and might” seem interchangeable, but there are differences between the two words when using them in sentences.
If you want to be a technical writer and use formal and technical language, you must know the differences.
In this article, we are going to discuss the differences between may and might. After reading the article, you will be able to use the correct word.
Uses of May or Might
Uses of May
Permission
The modal verb “may” is used to take permission or give permission. The word “may” is more common in American English when it is used for permission.
- May I have a seat?
- May she meet you at your office?
- You may have a seat.
- She may meet me at my office.
Probability
We use “may” when there is a high probability of something occurring.
- She may attend the party today.
- It is cloudy. It may rain.
Uses of Might
Permission
The modal verb “might” is commonly used to take permission or to give permission in British English. It is also used in American English but is less common.
- Might I leave the class?
- Might we have some time for refreshments?
- You might leave the class.
- You might have some time for refreshment.
Probability
The modal verb might is used for probability when there is less chance of something to occur. In case of low probability of something to occur, might is used as compared to “may”.
- It is almost clear. It might rain.
- Tomorrow is not off. She might attend the party.
Past Form of May
Might is the past form of may in indirect questions. When we change a direct question with may into an indirect question, the modal verb “may” is changed into might.
- He said, “May I leave the class?”
- He asked if he might leave the class.
- She said, “You may leave the class.”
- She permitted me that I might leave the class.
May or Might in Conditional Sentences
We can use “may” in the result/main clause of the first conditional.
- If she comes, she may bring a gift for you.
Similarly, we can use “might” in the result clause/main clause of the second conditional.
- If I saw you there, I might call you.
May or Might as Nouns
The two words are also used as nouns. When “May” is used as a noun, it means the fifth month of the solar calendar.
- He was born in May.
“Might” as a noun means strength. You may have seen the proverb “Might is right”. Here, the word might is used as a noun.
Maybe vs. May be
The word “maybe” is an adverb. It means by chance or perhaps.
- Maybe I will send you an Email.
On the other hand, “may be” is a verb phrase that is used as the modal verb “may”.
- They may be playing cricket.
