Like so many modal verbs in English grammar, 'may' and 'might' make an unusual pair. However, unlike other modal pairs, they're more similar than they are different.
The modal verb 'might' is the past tense of 'may'. At least, it was, far back in this pair's history. Mæg, the Old English form of 'may', comes from the Germanic language family. It meant "I am able".
The root form of this verb was 'magen', meaning 'to be able'. This little language history lesson teaches us what 'may' and 'might' mean. It also informs us why they form an unusual modal pair.
Today, Superprof examines the differences between 'may' and 'might'. We need to understand how to use them properly and the contexts when 'may' would be better than 'might' - and vice versa. To that end, this article:
- traces the differences and similarities between may and might
- discusses the right and wrong ways to use these modal verbs
- provides examples using 'may' and 'might'
You may be happy to know that this might be your easiest lesson on English modal verbs. Might you let us know what you think of it in the comments box? Let this serve as your first example of proper 'might' usage. The sentence "May you let us know ..." is incorrect, as we'll show later in this article.
Differentiating Between 'May' and 'Might'
First, let's cover all the ways 'may' and 'might' are similar. We've already learned that they come from the same word and express roughly the same idea. Going further, this modal pair cannot be conjugated and does not require 'to' to connect it with its action verb.
Many English for students of other languages (ESOL) learners make this error, but it's not their fault. Some English modal verbs, like 'have' and 'need' must have a 'to' after them to make their connections. "You need to know this about English modal verbs", for example. However, 'may' and 'might' do not follow this pattern.
This pair only requires the action verb's infinitive form. "I might go out tonight", for example. Or you could say "I may go out tonight". However, beware that the 'may' version of this sentence suggests a condition. This is our first major difference between 'may' and 'might'.
The conditional clause can come before - "If it's not too cold, I may go out tonight". Or it could follow our sentence: "I may go out tonight if it's not too cold". In either case, it expresses a possibility.
By contrast, 'might' expresses a possibility that's independent of any conditions. "I might go out tonight" simply means the speaker hasn't yet decided whether they will or won't. However, in both cases, the ability to perform the action - to go out, is not in question.
Asking permission is another big difference between 'may' and 'might'. You may often hear people asking for something by saying "Might I have ...?". This is technically correct, but it is excessive. To ask permission, using 'may' is the standard: "May I have ...?"
This distinction comes from 'might's expanded definition. Besides, 'able to', this modal verb also means 'have the power to'. Thus, if you ask "Might I have ...?", you're asking "Do I have the power to have ...?". You can see how confusing this might be.
Likewise, anyone expressing permission must only use 'may'. "May I have a glass of water, please?" would be followed with "Yes, you may". You can see how awkward "Yes, you might" would be.
The verb 'might' suggests a smaller chance of something happening. To explain this statement, let's revisit our 'may/might go out' example. Using 'may' proposes that, once a condition is met, the action will happen.
By contrast, 'might' leaves us guessing what it would take for the speaker to make a decision. Even the sentence: "I might go out tonight if it doesn't rain" suggests the speaker isn't sure about going out, regardless of the rain.
All of these examples demonstrate that 'may' and 'might' are unusual modal verbs. Even their negative forms stand out from the modal verb crowd.
For instance, consider 'will' and 'would'. To turn them into negatives, you only need to add the abbreviated form of 'not'. "I wouldn't be so sure", for example. The verb 'will' is a bit trickier because you have to change this verb before you can negate it: "I won't tell anyone", perhaps.
This shortcut doesn't work with our modal pair. Try saying "You mayn't" or "They mightn't"; they don't exactly roll off the tongue. You might read such negations in classic works by Shakespeare and Austen, but they are not a part of today's vernacular.
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Appropriate Contexts for 'May' and 'Might'
Now that we have our 'may' and 'might' ground rules, let's discover how they're used. We've already talked about using them to express possibilities and touched on asking and giving permission.
Remember that, while it's technically correct to use 'might' to ask permission, doing so sets up a strange dynamic. The only correct response to someone asking permission requires 'may'.
Besides, 'might's second meaning, 'having the power to', makes asking permission that way a touch threatening. Now, let's look at other ways 'may' and 'might' can be used.
When you want to extend wishes or greetings, you must always use 'may'. Remember that 'might' suggests less of a chance of something happening. Therefore, should you say "Might you have a happy Christmas!", you're rather hoping that the person won't.
To summarise how 'may' and 'might' are used, study the comparisons this table presents. You'll note that only in some contexts, 'may' is the only acceptable verb, while in others, you may use either one.
| Context | May | Might |
|---|---|---|
| To express a possibility | ✓ | ✓ |
| To ask permission | ✓ | ✓(?) |
| To grant permission | ✓ | |
| To express wishes | ✓ | |
| To reflect on past actions | ✓ | ✓ |
| Happens under certain conditions | ✓ | ✓ |
Our verb pair may also serve as a warning. Examine a package of medicine, for example. You're bound to see: "These tablets may cause drowsiness ...", among other cautions.
Remember that 'may' presents a greater likelihood of something happening, particularly if a condition is met. Such a warning label might further state which conditions would make those tablets have adverse effect.
As you read through such warning labels, you may find that they occasionally use 'might' instead of 'may'. Now, you know that the likelihood of danger is less if that verb sets the condition.
You can also use 'may' and 'might' to wonder what happened. Let's say you were expecting someone to ring you, but they never did. Talking this situation over with your mate, you might say: "They may have lost their phone". Or perhaps, "They might have forgotten they were supposed to call".
Modal verbs in English can be tricky to use, but this pair is straightforward. This handful of contexts presents only two occasions when one of these verbs is the only option. That fact, plus the ease of negation and lack of conjugation, make this pair one of the easiest modals to master.
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Politeness and Permission: Navigating 'May' or 'Might'
Many native English speakers use 'can' to ask permission instead of 'may' or even 'might'. While not exactly rude, it does reflect a lack of knowledge about using English modals. Besides, that verb means 'know how to do something' rather than 'have the ability'.
So, if someone asks you "Can I ask you a question?", you shouldn't answer reflexively. Instead, tell them: "I don't know if you can, but you certainly may". In fact, your parents and teachers may have infuriated you with that response.
If you struggle to master modal verbs in English, you may consider a few sessions with a private English tutor. Such a mentor will help you deepen your understanding of 'may' and 'might', as well as other modal verbs in the English language.
You may also consider downloading worksheets to gain more practice using these verbs. Or you might turn to learning platforms like Quizlet. This website offers flashcard study sets so you can build familiarity with these verbs and practise your skills at using them.
Quizlet also boasts word-related games to help you master these verbs, and tests you can take for free. However, the best way to master how 'may' and 'might' are used is by speaking.
If you're an ESOL learner, you can find conversation partners on various language exchange websites. For instance, you can match with native English speakers on Hello Talk and MyLanguageExchange. These platforms let you ask questions and submit your writing to the community for corrections and suggestions.
Like using 'shall' and 'should', 'may' and 'might' help you express specific ideas. However, unlike that verb pair, the ones we talked about in this article are more alike than different. Just a bit of practice could see you using these modals like a native. Perhaps better, even.
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