May vs. Might: How to use them

Key takeaways:

"May" is used for higher probabilityProbability refers to the likelihood or chance that a specific event will occur. or granting permission.
"Might" indicates a lower probability or is used for suggestions and hypothetical situationsHypothetical situations refer to imagined or unreal scenarios that are not based on actual events but are possible or speculative..
Both words express possibility, but the degree of certainty differs slightly.

Part of the series Grammar Debugged—English for Devs

Understanding when to use "may" vs. "might" ensures clearer communication and helps you choose the right modal verbA modal verb is a type of helping verb that expresses ability, possibility, necessity, permission, or obligation. E.g., can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, would, will. based on the level of certainty you want to convey.

What does "may" mean?

"May" is a modal verb that conveys a higher probability or is used to express permission. When we use "may," we imply that something is more likely to happen or is allowed. It suggests a sense of permission or something that is more certain.

Pronunciation of "may":
"May" rhymes with "say" and "day."

Examples of "may":

You may leave once the bell rings. (Permission)
It may rain later this evening. (Higher possibility)
I may go to the event tomorrow. (Expressing future possibility)

To remember: "May" is more likely and is used for permission or a higher chance.

What does "might" mean?

"Might" is a modal verb that indicates a lower probability or is used in hypothetical situations. It’s often used when the outcome is uncertain or when we want to suggest something that is possible but not guaranteed.

Pronunciation of "might":
"Might" rhymes with "light" and "flight."

Examples of "might":

She might join us at the concert, but she’s not sure. (Lower possibility)
I might go to the store later if I have time. (Uncertain future possibility)
You might want to bring an umbrella in case it rains. (Suggestion)

To remember: "Might" suggests less certainty and is used for uncertain possibilities or hypothetical situations.

Difference between "might" and "may"

May and might appear to be interchangeable, but they have distinct differences. Here are the key distinctions:

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between "may" and "might" boils down to the level of certainty or permission. Use "may" for higher probabilities or permissions, and "might" for speculative situations or lower chances. Being mindful of these subtle distinctions can greatly improve your clarity and precision in communication.

"It may rain later," (higher probability, factual possibility)
"It might rain later," (lower probability, speculative possibility)

Mismatch: Understand may vs. might with famous examples

Match the examples that demonstrate the difference between "might" and "may":

Frequently asked questions

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How to use "may" in a sentence?

Use “may” to express permission, possibility, or a higher degree of probability.

Example: You may leave once the meeting ends.
Example: It may rain tomorrow.

How to use "might" in a sentence?

Use “might” to express a hypothetical situation, a lower probability, or uncertainty.

Example: I might go to the movies if I finish my work.
Example: She might not be available later.

When to use "may" or "might"?

Use “may” for higher likelihoods or when granting permission. Use “might” for hypothetical situations or uncertain possibilities.

Example with “may”: He may join us if he finishes early.
Example with “might”: He might join us, but he’s not sure.

Do we use "may" or "might" for suggestions?

Use “might” for suggestions. • Example: You might want to try a new restaurant.

Example: You might want to try the new restaurant downtown.

Is "may" or "might" used for future events?

Both “may” and “might” can be used for future events, but “may” suggests a higher likelihood.

Example with “may”: It may rain tomorrow.
Example with “might”: I might visit my friend next weekend.

What is the difference between may have and might have with examples?

“May have” suggests a possibility or a higher likelihood of something happening in the past.

Example with “may have”: She may have forgotten about the meeting.

“Might have” indicates a lower probability or a more speculative possibility in the past.

Example with “might have”: He might have taken a different route home.

Aspect	May	Might
Probability	"May" indicates a higher probability.	"Might" suggests a lower probability.
Permission	"May" is used to ask for or grant permission.	"Might" is not typically used for permission.
Suggestions/Hypotheticals	"May" isn’t commonly used in this way.	"Might" is more often used for suggestions or hypothetical situations.
Formality	"May" is more formal, especially when granting permission.	"Might" is more casual and speculative.