Might and May Grammar
We commonly use "May" And "Might" to express possibility in present, past and future.
Note: We use "May", when we have 50% chance to do something and "Might" is used when we have 30% chance to do something.
Might and May Grammar
Examples:
- It may rain today.
- It might rain today.
Present
Formula: Subject + may / might + first form of the verb + object.
Examples:
- She may join us before the meeting. (Affirmative)
- She might join us before the meeting. (Affirmative)
- She may not / mayn't join us before the meeting. (Negative)
- She might not / mightn't join us before the meeting. (Negative)
Note: We usually don't use may and might to make question. Instead, we use be likely to / that or do you think?.
Examples:
- Is she likely to join us before the meeting?
- Do you think she may / might join us before the meeting?
Past
Formula: Subject + may have / might have + 3rd form of the verb + object.
Examples:
- I haven't heard from him for years. He May / might have died. (Affirmative)
- They didn't attend the party. They may / might have had some issues. (Negative)
Future
Formula: Subject + may / might + first form of the verb + object
Examples:
- We may / might go to America for vacation. (Affirmative)
- We mayn't / mightn't go to America for vacation. (Negative)
- Are we likely to go to America for vacation? (Interrogative)
For possibilities see also Could
Permission to do something
Present
Examples:
- May i borrow your car for a day.
- You may leave now because you have done your work.
Past
Note: We use "be allowed to" for past permission.
See also Be Allowed To
Examples:
- You were allowed to deal with the situation because you knew the problem well.
- I was allowed to participate in the competition.
Future
Examples:
- You may leave for home when you complete your work.
- You may meet me tomorrow.
Request
Examples:
- May i join your group?
- Might i go with you?
