Key Difference

• May often suggests a higher possibility or permission.
• Might usually indicates a lower probability or is used when imagining a hypothetical situation.

Let’s break these down further!

1. Possibility and Probability

Both may and might can indicate that something is possible, but may often sounds a bit more certain than might.

Examples:

• May: “She may come to the party.” (There’s a reasonable chance she’ll come.)
• Might: “She might come to the party.” (There’s a smaller or less certain chance.)

💡 Think of “may” as 60-70% possible, while “might” leans closer to 30-40% possible.

2. Permission

When giving or asking for permission, may is preferred over might. Using might for permission can sound overly formal or unusual in modern English.

Examples:

• May: “May I borrow your book?” (This is polite and common for permission.)
• Might: “Might I borrow your book?” (This is very formal and less commonly used.)

Pro Tip:

To remember this, think of may as a polite “yes,” used to ask for or give permission, while might is rarely used in this way.

3. Hypothetical or Unreal Situations

When imagining something that is unlikely or hypothetical, might is more common than may. This is especially true for situations that are contrary to fact or very speculative.

Examples:

• “If I had more time, I might take up a new hobby.” (This is hypothetical, as it’s unlikely.)
• “He might have been a great musician if he had practiced more.”

4. Politeness and Softening Statements

Using might can also soften a statement, making it sound more polite or less direct. May is less frequently used for this purpose.

Examples:

• “You might want to bring a coat; it could get cold later.” (Polite suggestion)
• “She might be able to help you with that.” (Softens the suggestion of help)

Summary Table

Practice Time! 🎉

Fill in the blanks with either may or might.

1. It’s cloudy, so it ________ rain later.
2. ________ I have a glass of water, please?
3. If I knew the answer, I ________ tell you.
4. You ________ want to bring a snack for the trip.

Answers:

1. It might rain later.
2. May I have a glass of water, please?
3. I might tell you.
4. You might want to bring a snack.