Difference Between May and Might

Communication is a major part of our life that we did not notice anytime. We can’t go even one day without doing communication, and for communication, we require language as a medium. Every language has many confusing words that seem similar but, in reality, are found to be different. Similarly, May and Might are two different words that confused many new learners of the English language.

May vs Might

The main difference between May and Might is that May is used in the present tense and also when there is a high probability of an event, and on the other hand, Might is the past form of May, and it is also used to show the probability of an event but for lower chances.

May is a modal verb used in sentences for a different context. It is used in a present and future tense sentence if any event in a sentence is most likely to happen. It can be judged by observing the event. If the event has sufficient factual data and a reason for its occurrence, then ‘May’ should be used.

Might is also a modal verb, and it is the past form of Might but has many different uses other than using in the past tense at the place of ‘May.’ It is used in the present and future tense if the event is less likely to happen. If the event occurring in the sentence does not have enough factual data, or it is a hypothetical event, then ‘Might’ is used in the sentence.

Comparison Table Between May and Might

What is May?

May is an auxiliary verb. It is used to express possibility, ask or grant permission, and for suggestions. It is used in a sentence if the event has sufficient indicators of happening that event. So to show the higher probability of the event in a sentence, it is expressed by using ‘May’ in the sentence.

It is formally used in different sentences. The use of ‘May’ in sentences makes it more formal and has more emphasis. It is used in sentences to ask permission and also to grant permission. It is also used for giving suggestions. There are many other uses of ‘May’ in sentences.

Uses of ‘May’ in different contexts:-

These were just a few examples of uses of ‘May’ in a sentence. Many other uses can be explored by using it in daily life themselves.

What is Might?

Might is also an auxiliary verb. It is used to express the lower possibility of an event, ask permission, suggestions, etc. It is a past form of ‘May’ and used in another context as well. If the event does not have enough factual data or it is a hypothetical situation, then ‘Might’ is used in the sentence.

It is used as a past form of ‘May’ as well as for expressing small probability, to report a thought, to ask something politely, and for giving suggestions. Sometimes it is interchangeably used at the place of ‘May,’ which is not correct many times. There are many other uses of ‘Might’ in the sentence.

Uses and examples of ‘Might’ in different contexts:-

Other than these few examples, ‘Might’ is used in many other sentences as well. It can be learned by exploring and using it in daily life.

Main Differences Between May and Might

Conclusion

People often use two similar words interchangeably in sentences and did not think about their correct uses. Similarly, ‘May’ and ‘Might’ are two words having the same root words hence give confusion to people while using them in sentences, so it is also used interchangeably many times. There are few differences that everyone should know for the proper usage of these two words.

‘May’ and ‘Might’ are both used to express the probability of an event but to different degrees. ‘May’ is formally used in many sentences, and at the same place, ‘Might’ is used informally in the same sentence. These little points should be considered while using ‘May’ and ‘Might’ in a sentence.

References

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