Lesson

May and might

Possibility and permission

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

May and might: Uses and differences

May and might are modal verbs used to talk about permission, possibility, and sometimes to make polite suggestions. 'May' often suggests a higher probability or gives permission; 'might' usually suggests a lower probability or is used as the past/reporting form of 'may'.

  • 'May' for permission: You may leave the meeting early.
  • 'May' and 'might' for possibility: It may rain. / It might rain.
  • 'Might' can be the past form of 'may' in reported speech: She said she might come.

Table

May vs Might — Quick Reference

Function May Might Example
Permission Used to give/get permission Not typically used for permission You may leave once the report is submitted.
Present/Future possibility Used for a real or reasonable possibility Used for a weaker or more uncertain possibility It may be delayed. / It might be delayed.
Past possibility / Reported speech 'May have + past participle' for past possibility (less common in reported speech) 'Might have + past participle' for past possibility or as reported past of may She may have missed the call. / She said she might have missed the call.
Polite suggestion / Formality Can be used politely Also polite, often slightly more tentative You may want to review the data. / You might want to review the data.

Tip

Key rule: Form and strength

Remember how to form sentences with may and might, and the difference in degree of certainty:

  • Modals are followed by the base verb: may/might + base verb (no 'to', no -s).
  • 'May' often indicates a stronger possibility or permission; 'might' is more tentative or less certain.
  • Use 'may/might have + past participle' to talk about possible events in the past.

Think: Form = modal + base verb; Strength = may ≥ might.

Example

Examples in context

You may leave the meeting once the agenda is complete.

The shipment might arrive later than expected due to customs checks.

She may have forgotten the appointment; I'll call to check.

He said he might attend the conference, but he wasn't sure.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often make a few recurring errors when using may and might. Watch out for these:

  • Adding 'to' after the modal: incorrect 'may to' or 'might to' — modals are followed by the base verb.
  • Using -s after the verb: incorrect 'may goes' or 'might goes' — no -s after modals.
  • Confusing degree of certainty: overusing 'may' when you mean a low probability, or vice versa.
  • Using double modals (e.g., 'may could') — not standard in formal English.
  • Misplacing negation: 'may not' can mean 'is not allowed' or 'might not' — context matters.

Focus on form first (modal + base verb), then on meaning (permission vs. possibility).

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Remember modals are followed by the base verb.

Quiz

Complete: She _____ have missed the train; that's why she is late.

Hint: Think about how to express a possible past action.

Quiz

Which sentence expresses the weakest possibility?

Hint: Compare the strength of possibility indicated by each modal.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

may

modal verb CEFR B1 //meɪ//

Used to express permission or a reasonable possibility.

You may use the conference room after 3 PM.

GrammarPoint

might

modal verb CEFR B1 //maɪt//

Used to express a lower probability or a tentative possibility; also used in reported speech.

They might postpone the meeting if the client is delayed.

Expression

may have

expression CEFR B2 //meɪ hæv//

Used with a past participle to express a possible past event.

She may have sent the report before the meeting.

Expression

might have

expression CEFR B2 //maɪt hæv//

Used with a past participle to suggest a less certain past possibility.

He might have missed the flight because of traffic.

Vocabulary

permission

noun CEFR B1 //pəˈmɪʃən//

Authorization to do something.

Employees need permission to access the secure server.

Vocabulary

possibility

noun CEFR B1 //ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti//

A chance that something may happen.

There is a possibility of a delay due to inspections.