Key Difference

When discussing the past:

• Might is commonly used to express possibility or permission in past contexts.
• May is less commonly used for the past and is often reserved for formal or literary contexts.

Breakdown of May and Might in Past Tense

1. Might in the Past Tense

• Might is the go-to choice for expressing past possibility or a hypothetical situation.
• It can also show a polite suggestion or permission (more formal).

Examples:

• “He might have left before the storm started.” (Possibility in the past)
• “She said we might borrow her car yesterday.” (Permission in the past)

2. May in the Past Tense

• May is rarer in past tense conversations but appears in formal or literary settings.
• It can express past permission or possibility, similar to might, but feels more traditional.

Examples:

• “She may have visited the museum while she was in Paris.” (Possibility in the past)
• “In earlier times, one may have struggled to access such resources.” (Formal or historical tone)

Common Mistakes and Nuances

1. Avoid Confusion with Present Tense
   • May is also used for present/future possibilities.
   • Example: “I may visit tomorrow.” (Present or future)
   • This differs from “She may have visited yesterday.” (Past).
2. May and Might in Hypothetical Scenarios
   • Both can be used in the present tense for a polite tone, but in the past tense, might dominates.
3. Might Have vs. May Have
   • “Might have” is more conversational for discussing the past.
   • “May have” feels formal or uncertain.
   • Examples:
     • “They might have seen the play last night.” (Common)
     • “They may have seen the play last night.” (Formal/literary)

Quick Analogy:

Think of may as a reserved professor 📚 and might as a laid-back friend 🕶️. In casual past discussions, your friend (might) shows up more, but for formal settings, the professor (may) might make an appearance.

Practice Time! 📝

Fill in the blanks with may or might:

1. She ______ have forgotten her keys at home yesterday.
2. We ______ have misunderstood what the teacher said.
3. In those days, travelers ______ have used horses for transportation.
4. He said I ______ borrow his book when I asked.

Answers:

1. might
2. might
3. may
4. might