May and Might

May and Might

by Patricia Saavedra

May and Might

‘May’ and ‘might’ are used to talk about the POSSIBILITY of something happening.

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‘May’ is often more possible than ‘might’.

May

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​May is used in different situations:

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​To give permission

​To ask for permission

​To talkabout a possible situation in the present or the future

​To express a wish or hope

​to refer to a thing that typically happens in a certain situation

Might

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​Might is used in different situations:

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​Might is the past tense of May.

​To ask for permission.

​To refer to something that could have been in the past.

​To talk about a hypotetical or possible situation.

May and Might

EXAMPLES:

My family and I might travel to Montreal next weekend.

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I think that you may be wrong. I think the meeting is tomorrow, not today.

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​John isn’t in class today. I think he might be sick.

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I It might rain later today, so I’m going to take my umbrella.

Multiple Choice

We … have a grammar exam next week. Let’s study!

• may

• may be

• may be not

Multiple Choice

There’s no sound coming from the radio. It … broken.

• might not

• might

• might be

• may not

Multiple Choice

This bag … your bag. I can’t see your name on it.

• might not be

• might be

• might

• might be not

Multiple Choice

I … late today because I may have some extra work to do.

• may be

• might

• may be not

• may

Multiple Choice

There … cookies inside this box! Let’s open it and find out!

• might not be

• may

• might be

• might be not

Multiple Choice

I don’t feel well. I … have to see a doctor

• might be not

• might not be

• might

• might be