Modals of Possibility: May and Might
 
Click each section below to review the grammar explanation and examples.
A Basic Structure & Example Paragraph

We use may and might to talk about possibilities. Both modal verbs describe something that is possible but not certain. In general, may suggests a stronger possibility, while might suggests a slightly weaker or less certain possibility. After both modal verbs, always use the base form of the verb.

Subject + may / might + base verb
  • It may rain this afternoon.
  • We might watch a movie tonight.
  • She may visit her grandparents this weekend.
  • They might arrive later because of traffic.
 
Example Paragraph

The weather looks cloudy today. It may rain later, so we should take an umbrella. If the rain stops, we might go for a walk in the park. We may even have a picnic if the weather improves.

B Negative Form

Use may not and might not to express that something is possibly not true or may not happen. These forms show uncertainty rather than complete certainty.

Subject + may not / might not + base verb
  • She may not come to the meeting today.
  • They might not finish the project on time.
  • We may not need our jackets this afternoon.
  • The restaurant might not be open yet.
  • I may not have enough time to join you.

Remember: After may not and might not, always use the base form of the verb.

C Questions (Permission)

Use May I...? to ask for permission in a polite and formal way. Although Can I...? is common in everyday conversation, May I...? is more appropriate in formal situations, professional settings, and when speaking respectfully.

May + subject + base verb...?
  • May I borrow your pen?
  • May I open the window?
  • May I ask you a question?
  • May I leave a few minutes early today?
  • May we begin the meeting now?

Tip: Use May I...? when speaking to teachers, supervisors, customers, or anyone in a formal situation.

D May Be & Might Be

Use may be and might be before nouns, adjectives, or prepositional phrases to describe something that is possibly true. Here, be is the main verb, while may and might express possibility.

Subject + may be / might be + noun, adjective, or phrase
  • She may be busy this afternoon.
  • The answer might be correct.
  • It may be difficult to find parking today.
  • They might be at the library right now.
  • The meeting may be on the third floor.

Remember: may be (two words) is a verb phrase. Maybe (one word) is an adverb meaning "perhaps."

E Comparing Possibilities

Both may and might express possibility. In everyday English, they are often interchangeable. However, may usually suggests a stronger possibility, while might suggests a slightly weaker or less certain possibility.

May → more likely

Might → less certain
  • The bus may arrive soon. (A fairly strong possibility.)
  • The bus might arrive later because of traffic. (A weaker possibility.)
  • We may see our neighbours if we go for a walk.
  • We might see a few deer while hiking.
  • She may accept the job offer, but she hasn't decided yet.

Tip: In modern English, native speakers often use may and might interchangeably. The difference in certainty is usually small and depends on the speaker's opinion.

F Talking About the Future

Use may and might to talk about future events or plans that are possible but not certain. These modal verbs help express predictions without guaranteeing that something will happen.

Subject + may / might + base verb
  • We may travel to Vancouver next month.
  • My brother might start a new job soon.
  • They may move to another neighbourhood next year.
  • The weather might improve by this evening.
  • Our team may win the championship this season.

Remember: Use may or might when you are making a prediction or talking about a future possibility that is uncertain.

G May vs. Might

Both may and might describe possibilities. In most everyday situations, they are interchangeable. However, may often expresses a stronger possibility, while might usually suggests a possibility that is slightly less certain.

May = more likely

Might = slightly less likely
  • It may snow tonight. (A fairly strong possibility.)
  • It might snow tonight if the temperature drops. (A weaker possibility.)
  • She may accept the invitation.
  • She might accept the invitation if she finishes work early.
  • Both sentences are grammatically correct because they describe possible events rather than certain ones.

Tip: Native speakers often use may and might interchangeably. The difference in certainty is usually small and depends on the speaker's opinion.

H Key Points to Remember

Remember these key ideas:

  • Use may and might to talk about possibilities. Neither one expresses certainty.
  • After may and might, always use the base form of the verb.
  • Use may not and might not to express that something is possibly not true or may not happen.
  • Use May I...? to ask for permission in a polite and formal way.
  • Use may be and might be before nouns, adjectives, or prepositional phrases. Remember that maybe (one word) means "perhaps."
  • May usually suggests a stronger possibility, while might usually suggests a slightly weaker possibility. In everyday English, however, they are often interchangeable.
  • Use may and might when making predictions or discussing future events that are possible but uncertain.

✓ She may arrive later.
✓ They might be busy today.
✓ May I borrow your dictionary?
✓ It may be difficult to find parking.

✗ She may arrives later.
✗ They might are busy today.
✗ He may to come tomorrow.

Practice Exercises »