Modals - may and might

may and might

May, might, can, could, must, shall, should, will and would are modal verbs. They are used to express meaning of certainty or obligation and freedom to act.

Subject + modal + base form of second verb

Modals

Usage

Examples

Remarks

may probability I think the opposition party may win in the next election. a chance that something is likely to happen or is true

typical occurrences After having a baby, a woman may suffer from post-natal depression.

permission - formal May I use the room? asking for permission

May is traditionally used for permission, can for ability, However, this distinction is fading. In asking permission, may is more formal than can.

request - polite May I have another piece of cake?

wishes & hopes May God be with you and watch over you.

might lower probability The newcomer might win the the best actress award. Might is mostly used as a less definite or more hesistant form of may.

suggestion You might try asking Uncle John to help you find a temporary job.

reported speech "Where are you going for the holidays, Jean?"

Jean: "I may go to Australia."

Jean said that she might go to Australia for the holidays. Might used in reported speech when the reporting verb is in the past tense.

In negative sentences ...

may not (might not) = it is possible that something is not true.

can't (couldn't) = it is not possible that something is true.

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		Subject + modal + base form of second verb
Modals	Usage	Examples	Remarks
may	probability	I think the opposition party may win in the next election.	a chance that something is likely to happen or is true
	typical occurrences	After having a baby, a woman may suffer from post-natal depression.
	permission - formal	May I use the room?	asking for permission May is traditionally used for permission, can for ability, However, this distinction is fading. In asking permission, may is more formal than can.
	request - polite	May I have another piece of cake?
	wishes & hopes	May God be with you and watch over you.
might	lower probability	The newcomer might win the the best actress award.	Might is mostly used as a less definite or more hesistant form of may.
	suggestion	You might try asking Uncle John to help you find a temporary job.
	reported speech	"Where are you going for the holidays, Jean?" Jean: "I may go to Australia." Jean said that she might go to Australia for the holidays.	Might used in reported speech when the reporting verb is in the past tense.