May and Might are modal verb. They can normally be interchanged without a significant difference in meaning however might often implies a smaller chance of something happening. (when expressing possibility).
May and Might
To express (future) possibility
There is a chance that something is true or that there is a possibility of something happening.
Note: Might is used more frequently than May in spoken English.
| It might rain late. It is possible that it will rain. |
| I might go to the movies tonight. Though I'm not sure. I wouldn't talk to Tim right now. He may still be angry. He's very good, in fact, I think he may win the competition. She might be late because of the public transport strike. |
To give permission.
| You may leave the table once you have finished your meal. |
| You may take only one brochure. If you have finished the exam, you may leave the room. |
May not can be used to NOT give permission or to prohibit someone from doing something.
To ask for permission.
| May I sit next to you? |
| May I borrow your pen? May I use your bathroom please? |
May: to talk about typical occurrences
May is used in academic (or scientific) language to refer to things that typically happen in certain situations.
| Driver may feel tired if they do not take a break every 2 hours. |
| Adults may find it difficult to sleep if they use technology before going to bed. These tablets may produce serious side effects if not taken in the correct dosage. |
Speculate about past actions (May + have + past participle)
| She is late. I think she may have missed her plane. |
| It may have already been broken before you bought it. What was that noise? It may have been a dog outside our window. |
To express wishes
| May you both live a long and happy life together. |
| May the New Year bring you love and happiness. May all your wishes come true. May the odds be ever in your favour. May the force be with you. |
May as well - Might as well
These are expressions can be used to suggest that you will do something because there is nothing better or more interesting to do.
| There is nothing on TV. I might as well go to bed. |
| (At the stadium) Our team is losing by 50 points. We may as well go home because they are not going to win. |
0 Comments