June 29, 2011

English Grammar Secrets

May / Might

May:

We can use 'may' to ask for permission. However this is rather formal and not used very often in modern spoken English

• May I borrow your book?
• May I come?

We use 'may' to suggest something is possible

• It may rain in the evening.
• David may come with us.

Might:

We use 'might' to suggest a small possibility of something. There is a little difference between 'might' and 'may' and 'might' is more usual than 'may' in spoken English.

• Rita might be at home by now but I'm not sure at all.
• It might rain this afternoon.

For the past, we use 'might have'.

• John might have tried to call while I was working.
• Rebecca might have dropped it in the street.
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