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Modal Verbs May and Might
'May' and 'might' are two modal verbs that are used to express possibility or probability. They are also used when asking for or giving permission.
May
'May' is a modal verb that is used to:
Express wishes
Make a Suggestion
Introduce a Concession
Expressing Possibility
'May' is most commonly used to express possibility or likelihood of something happening, but with a level of uncertainty.
I may be late, so don't wait for me.
Well, I may have been wrong.
Asking for/Giving Permission
'May' is used to politely ask for permission to do something. Using 'May I...?' is more polite and more formal than using 'Can I...?' or 'Could I...?'
May I come in?
May I answer this call?
You can also use 'may' to politely give permission to somebody.
You may come in.
You may talk.
You can use 'may not' to indicate that something is not allowed. Keep in mind that 'mayn't' is the contracted form of 'may not' and is generally considered informal or colloquial.
You may not smoke cigarettes in the office.
You may not stay.
Expressing Wishes
You can use 'may' to express a hopeful wish, often in formal or poetic contexts. For example:
May she rest in peace.
May all your wishes come true.
Making a Suggestion
'May' can be used to soften or politely offer an idea, often in professional or formal contexts. In this case, 'may' and 'might' are both acceptable.
You may want to double-check your work.
May I suggest we take a short break?
Introducing a Concession
'May' is sometimes used to show a contrast or concession between two ideas. In this case, it is typically connected to the contrasting idea using the conjunction 'but.' The sentence typically means the speaker is aware of and accepts a fact, but holds a specific opinion in spite of it.
He may be young, but he is very wise.
It may be a little expensive, but it is definitely worth it.
'May be' or 'Maybe'?
If 'maybe' is written without space between the two words, it is a one-word adverb meaning 'perhaps'.
However, if it is written as two words, i.e., 'may be', it is not an adverb anymore and it is a modal verb plus the verb 'be'.
Maybe he'll come, maybe he won't.
It may be snowing tomorrow.
Might
'Might' is the past tense of 'may'. However, in most cases, it does not refer to the past; rather, it denotes a lower level of certainty or a greater distance from reality.
Might: Functions
The functions fulfilled by 'might' are similar to 'may':
Expressing possibility
Asking for permission
Making a suggestion
Expressing Possibility
'Might' is similar to 'may' in that it is used to express possibility or likelihood of something happening. However, the difference is that 'might' suggests a lower degree of probability or a less likely possibility than 'may'. It implies that the chances of something happening are smaller or more remote.
He might get there in time, but I can't be sure.
I might be a few minutes late.
We can also use 'might' to express a possibility in the past that did not actually happen.
He might have been killed.
She might have known the truth.
Asking permission
Especially in British English, 'might' is used to politely ask for permission to do something. However, this usage is very rare and very formal.
Might I use your phone?
Might I sit here?
Giving Permission
You cannot use 'might' to give permission.
Making a Suggestion
'Might' can be used to make polite suggestions or give advice to someone.
You might try restarting your computer.
You might want to tell your parents about the problem.
Clause Types that Require 'Might'
Some specific types of clauses call for the use of past modals, including 'might':
Reported Speech
Reported speech involves the process of backshift which requires every verb in the reported clause to shift one tense back. Accordingly, if the direct speech includes the modal 'may,' the reported speech must use 'might' in its place. Here are some examples:
He said he might be able to help you.
She told me they might leave before dawn.
Past Subjunctives
The verb 'wish' and some other expressions like 'as if,' 'if only,' etc. require the clause that follows them to be in the past subjunctive mood. The past subjunctive uses the past simple tense of the verbs, which means 'might' is always used in these clauses instead of 'may.' Take a look at the examples below:
He looked as if he might pass out any moment.
I wish he might have forgiven me.
Past Possibility
If you're uncertain about whether something happened in the past, it's better to use 'might'. You can also use 'may', but since 'might' is the past tense of 'may', using 'might' would be more appropriate.
When using 'might' in this context, you should follow it with the main verb in the present perfect tense. Here are some examples:
I might have left my umbrella at the train station.
In this example, you're not sure that something has happened in the past.
My response may have hurt some people.
Tip!
'Might' is used more frequently in spoken English than 'may.' 'May' is somewhat formal.
Review
'May' and 'might' are used widely in English to talk about possibilities and to politely ask or give permission. The table below summarizes the different functions of these modals
may | might | |
|---|---|---|
possibility | It may rain today. | It might rain today. |
ask permission | May I stand here? | Might I open your bag? |
give permission | You may use my car if yours is broken. | _ |
express wishes | May this special day give you countless fond memories. | _ |
offer suggestions | May I suggest a different option? | You might want to check your email. |
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