May vs. Might: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 2, 2023
"May" suggests a higher possibility or permission, "Might" implies a lower possibility or hypotheticals. Both indicate uncertainty.
Key Differences
"May" often indicates a greater likelihood of something happening, while "Might" is used for a significantly lesser chance or a hypothetical situation. Both words, however, communicate a sense of uncertainty.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
When it comes to expressing permission, "May" is the more traditional and formal choice, whereas "Might" is rarely used in this context. Both can denote possibility, but "May" is more commonly used for permissions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
In terms of grammatical mood, "May" is used in the indicative mood to imply a real possibility, while "Might" is used in the subjunctive mood for unreal or hypothetical situations. Both help to set the mood of a sentence.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
"May" and "Might" are both modal verbs in English, but "May" is often used in more formal contexts, while "Might" is seen as more informal and speculative. Both, however, are central to expressing degrees of uncertainty.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
"May" has a present or future focus, suggesting something that's possible now or later, whereas "Might" has a past implication, often indicating a missed opportunity or hypothetical. Both offer temporal nuances to a sentence.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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May and Might Definitions
Might
Used as the past tense of "may" in indirect speech.
She said she might come by later.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Might
Expresses annoyance or emphasis in a question.
How might one solve this issue?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
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Might
Suggests a hypothetical situation.
If I had studied, I might have passed the test.
Harlon Moss
Oct 21, 2023
May
The fifth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. See Table at calendar.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Might
Implies a polite suggestion or modesty.
You might want to reconsider your decision.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Might
(uncountable) Physical strength or force.
He pushed with all his might, but still it would not move.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
May
To have permission to, be allowed. Used in granting permission and in questions to make polite requests.
You may smoke outside;
May I sit there?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
May
Expressing a present possibility; possibly.
He may be lying;
Schrödinger's cat may or may not be in the box
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
May
Expressing a wish (with present subjunctive effect).
May you win;
May the weather be sunny
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Might
(auxiliary) Used to indicate conditional or possible actions.
I might go to the party, but I haven't decided yet.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
May
Used in modesty, courtesy, or concession, or to soften a question or remark.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Might
(auxiliary) may Used to indicate permission in past tense.
He asked me if he might go to the party, but I haven't decided yet.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Might
(auxiliary) may Used to indicate possibility in past tense.
I thought that I might go the next day.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Might
Used to indicate a desired past action that was not done.
Hey man, you might have warned me about the thunderstorm.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Might
(auxiliary) Even though.
I might be in a wheelchair, but I still want to be treated as a lady.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Might
(auxiliary) Used in polite requests for permission
Might I take the last biscuit?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
May
An auxiliary verb qualifying the meaning of another verb,
How may a man, said he, with idle speech,Be won to spoil the castle of his health!
For what he [the king] may do is of two kinds; what he may do as just, and what he may do as possible.
For of all sad words of tongue or penThe saddest are these: "It might have been."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Might
Used to express certainty.
Yeah, I think we might need something a bit sturdier.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Might
Force or power of any kind, whether of body or mind; energy or intensity of purpose, feeling, or action; means or resources to effect an object; strength; force; power; ability; capacity.
What so strong,But wanting rest, will also want of might?
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
May
Contingency or liability; possibility or probability.
Though what he learns he speaks, and may advanceSome general maxims, or be right by chance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
May
Modesty, courtesy, or concession, or a desire to soften a question or remark.
How old may Phillis be, you ask.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
May
The early part or springtime of life.
His May of youth, and bloom of lustihood.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
May
The flowers of the hawthorn; - so called from their time of blossoming; also, the hawthorn.
The palm and may make country houses gay.
Plumes that mocked the may.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
May
Thorny Eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries; established as an escape in eastern North America
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Can "may" and "might" be used interchangeably?
Often yes, but "may" suggests higher likelihood or formality.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Does "might" suggest hypotheticals?
Yes, it's often used for hypothetical situations.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Can "might" be used for permission?
Rarely, "may" is standard for granting or asking permission.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Does "might" imply a lesser chance than "may"?
Yes, it typically suggests a lower possibility.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Do "may" and "might" have different grammatical moods?
Yes, "may" is indicative, and "might" is subjunctive.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Is "might" used for polite suggestions?
Yes, it softens the tone of suggestions.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Are there exceptions in using "may" and "might"?
Usage can vary based on context and dialect.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Is "may" used for current possibilities?
Yes, it's for present or future possibilities.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Does "might" imply missed opportunities?
Often, especially in the context of past events.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
How does time affect "may" vs "might"?
"May" often has a present/future focus; "might" can imply past/hypotheticals.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Are "may" and "might" modal verbs?
Yes, both are modals indicating possibility.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Can "might" be used for future possibilities?
Less commonly, but it's possible in conjectures.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Is "may" ever used in the subjunctive mood?
Rarely, it's typically indicative.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
