May vs. Might: The Ultimate Grammar Guide

Likelihood & Probability 🎲

The most common use of these modals is to express possibility. The golden rule? May usually implies a slightly higher chance than Might. Use this section to visualize the probability gap.

Key Differences

📈
May: More likely / Real possibility.
"It may rain later." (Look at those dark clouds!)
📉
Might: Less likely / Remote possibility.
"I might win the lottery." (But probably not.)

Try the Slider:

Impossible (0%) Certain (100%)

Maybe... (50%)

"I might go to the party."

The Probability Meter

Data represents conceptual likelihood in standard grammar rules.

Asking for Permission 🙋‍♀️

Here, the difference isn't about chance, but about manners. "May" is the polite standard. "Might" is extremely formal (and rare). "Can" is the casual cousin.

👟

Can

Casual & Friendly

"Can I borrow your pen?"

Used with friends/family.

👔

May

Polite & Proper

"May I borrow your pen?"

Perfect for teachers, bosses, or strangers.

🎩

Might

Very Formal / Archaic

"Might I ask a question?"

Rarely used today. Sounds like a 19th-century novel.

Politeness vs. Frequency

⚠️ Common Mistake

Don't use "Might" to give permission.

❌ "You might go now." (Incorrect)
✅ "You may go now." (Correct)

The Time Machine: Past Tense 🕰️

Adding "have" changes everything. May have means we don't know the truth. Might have can mean the same, OR it can talk about something that didn't happen but could have.

Select a Scenario:

🕵️‍♀️

The Mystery: "Where is Sarah?"

We don't know where she is. It's possible she went to the store.

"She may have gone to the store."

Meaning: It is possible she is there right now.

"She might have gone to the store."

Meaning: Same meaning, slightly less certain.

Usage in Past Contexts

Test Your Skills 🧠

Pick the best word for the situation.

GrammarExplorer: May vs. Might

The Great "Maybe" Debate 🤷‍♂️