What is the Difference Between May and Might in English Grammar?

The English words "may" and "might" are both modal auxiliary verbs that indicate possibility, permission, or necessity. However, they are used in different contexts and have subtle differences in meaning:

• May: This word is typically used in the present tense to indicate something that's likely to happen or to ask for permission. It expresses a higher possibility of something happening compared to "might".
• Might: This word is typically used in the past tense to describe something that's unlikely to happen or situations that didn't take place. It expresses a lower probability of something happening compared to "may".

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between "may" and "might":

• May: "Guests may park in our driveway."
• Might: "If it hadn’t rained, we might have held a barbecue."

Both "may" and "might" can be used to ask for permission, but "may" is more commonly used in formal speech. For instance:

• May: "May I be excused?"
• Might: "Might I help you with your luggage?" (less formal)

To remember the difference between "may" and "might," keep these key points in mind:

• Use "may" for present tense and "might" for past perfect tense.
• "May" expresses a high possibility of something happening, whereas "might" hints that it might not happen.
• Both "may" and "might" can be used to ask for permission, but use "may" when giving permission.

Comparative Table: May vs Might in English Grammar

The difference between "may" and "might" in English grammar is subtle, but it can help clarify your writing, especially when it comes to permission and probability. Here is a table summarizing the key differences between the two words:

Both "may" and "might" can be used to express possibilities and probabilities in the present and future tense, but "may" is the better choice for present tense situations, while "might" is more suitable for past perfect tense scenarios. Additionally, "may" is more commonly used to give or ask for permission, while "might" can also be used in this context but is less common and considered less polite.