Understanding "May" and "Might"
Both "may" and "might" come from the same auxiliary verb family and are closely connected. However, they are used in specific ways depending on the level of possibility or politeness you want to convey.
1. Using "May"
The word "may" has two primary uses in the English language: expressing possibility and asking for permission.
A. Expressing Possibility
Use "may" when something is possible or likely to happen.
Example 1: "Do you think you may have dropped them in the street?"
Example 2: "You'd better take a coat – it may get cold later."
Example 3: "Was that John who just walked by?" à"It may have been. I'm not sure."
B. Asking for Permission (Polite Requests)
"May" is the most polite and formal way to ask for permission (more polite than "could" or "can").
Example 1: "May I borrow your pen, please?"
Example 2: "I can't decide at the moment – may I have a few days to think about it?"
2. Using "Might"
"Might" is also used to show possibility, but with a key difference: it expresses more doubt or a lower likelihood of happening compared to "may". It suggests the situation is more remote or less probable.
Examples of Possibility with More Doubt:
Example 1: "Do you think it might be something you've eaten?"
Example 2: "We haven't decided yet, but we might go to Italy."
Example 3: "Anna hasn't arrived yet – do you think she might have forgotten?"
Example 4: "Is that a 54 bus coming?" à"It might be – I can't see the number yet."
3. Important Distinction: "Maybe" vs. "May Be"
It is easy to confuse these two forms, but they play different grammatical roles:
Maybe (One Word)
Meaning: An adverb that means "perhaps".
Example:
"Will we go to see a film tomorrow?" à "Maybe."
May Be (Two Words)
Meaning: A verb phrase combining the modal verb "may" with the main verb "be". You cannot substitute "perhaps" directly into these structures.
Example:
"It may be raining tomorrow." (Correct)
~~"It perhaps raining tomorrow."~~ (Incorrect English)
Summary Tip:
Use May for stronger possibilities or polite permission.
Use Might when you are less certain or there is more doubt.
Don't confuse single-word Maybe (perhaps) with the two-word phrase May Be (verb expression)!