May or Might: What’s the Difference?

If you spot a factual error while proofreading a document, you may or might want to take action. You may point it out in a comment, or you might want to leave it alone. Wait, is there a difference between may and might? You might believe there is no difference, but there is!

May and might unwittingly trip up writers, proofreaders, and editors due to their minuscule differences. That’s why we’re sharing this post on the difference between may and might in English.

In this post, we’ll cover:

1. The definitions of may and might
2.  When to use may and might
3. Examples of may and might in sentences
4. The differences between may be and might be

By the end of the post, you’ll better understand the differences between may and might. Additionally, you’ll know when to use them in a sentence and be able to recognize when to use them correctly in writing.

What Does May Mean?

May functions as a modal auxiliary verb, which clarifies the main verb of a sentence. It suggests a high degree of probability that something will happen.

How to Use May in a Sentence

May comes before the main verb, and can be used to:

1. Suggest a high degree of probability that something will occur. In this case, we would use may in the present tense.

It may snow today, but I will drive to work anyway.

2. Ask for or grant permission. Again, we would use this in the present tense.

May I open the window?

You may sit down now.

3. Describe hypothetical situations. We can use may to describe present-tense and confident negative hypotheticals.

Example of present-tense hypothetical:

You may qualify for a discount.

Example of confident negative hypothetical:

You may not use my computer under any circumstances.

What Does Might Mean?

Like may, might also acts as a modal auxiliary verb, clarifying a sentence’s main verb. Might describes past-tense hypotheticals and expresses a lower degree of certainty than may.

Might is a more robust word choice when describing hypotheticals in the past. Moreover, we would not use might to give or ask for permission.

How to Use Might in a Sentence

Might can be used to:

1. Describe a hypothetical with a lower degree of certainty.

I might stay for another week.

2. Describe past hypotheticals.

Todd might have missed a great opportunity when he turned down that promotion.

3. Clarify a statement of possibility rather than permission.

My boss told me that I may not leave work early, and I might scream.

4. Express negative hypotheticals without absolute certainty.

I might not get all the answers right, but I know the answer to this question!

 5. Communicate a polite suggestion.

You might want to take four courses during your first semester of university.

6. Ask for permission, but not grant it.

Might I have the pleasure of knowing your name?

Summary: May or Might?

May is typically used in the present tense and expresses a high probability. In contrast, might is used in the past-perfect tense and expresses a lower probability.

If you are in doubt as to when to use may and might, consider this table below:

What About May Be and Might Be?

The may and might rules also apply to may be and might be.

Mike may be coming to dinner tonight.

You might be wise to your father’s advice.

However, writers sometimes confuse may be with maybe. Both express uncertainty, but while may be is a verb, maybe is an adverb or noun used alongside a verb, or by itself as an answer to a question. It usually appears as the first word of a sentence. Consider our examples:

Tim may be able to help you move today.

Maybe you should go to bed early tonight.

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