May / might
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May / might
mayWe can use 'may' to ask for permission. However this is rather formal and not used very often in modern spoken English
We use 'may' to suggest something is possible
mightWe use 'might' to suggest a small possibility of something. Often we read that 'might' suggests a smaller possibility that 'may', there is in fact little difference and 'might is more usual than 'may' in spoken English.
For the past, we use 'might have'.
- May I borrow your pen?
- May we think about it?
- May I go now?
We use 'may' to suggest something is possible
- It may rain later today.
- I may not have time to do it today.
- Pete may come with us
mightWe use 'might' to suggest a small possibility of something. Often we read that 'might' suggests a smaller possibility that 'may', there is in fact little difference and 'might is more usual than 'may' in spoken English.
- She might be at home by now but it's not sure at all.
- It might rain this afternoon.
- I might not have time to go to the shops for you.
- I might not go.
For the past, we use 'might have'.
- He might have tried to call while I was out.
- I might have dropped it in the street.
Code Maestro- Posts : 100
Join date : 2012-10-31
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