How to use "MAY" and " MIGHT" correctly ?
"May" and "might" are both modal verbs in English that are used to express possibility, permission, or uncertainty, but they are used in slightly different ways and have subtle differences in meaning and usage. In this video we dwell into the main significant differences between "may" and "might"
"may" is generally used to express a higher degree of possibility or permission, is more formal, and is often used in the present tense. "Might" is used to express a lower degree of possibility, can be less formal, and is commonly used in the past tense or in situations where uncertainty is emphasized. The choice between "may" and "might" often depends on the specific context and the level of certainty or formality required.
Lesson Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:36 Talk about Present & Future possibilities
11:01 Talk about Past possibilities
09:20 Negative forms of "MAY" and "MIGHT"
20:17 Asking for permission
22:28 Maybe and "May be"
26:03 Using "MAY" for wishes, hopes, condolence
26:47 Make suggestions
"May" is often used to express a higher degree of possibility or likelihood. It suggests that something is more likely to happen or be true. For example, "She may come to the party tonight" implies that there is a reasonable chance she will attend.
"Might," on the other hand, is typically used to express a lower degree of possibility or likelihood. It suggests that something is less likely to happen or be true. For example, "She might come to the party tonight" implies a lower probability of her attending.
Formality:
"May" is considered slightly more formal and polite than "might." It is often used in more formal contexts, such as written documents, official requests, or polite inquiries. For example, "May I have your attention,
"Might," on the other hand, is typically used to express a lower degree of possibility or likelihood. It suggests that something is less likely to happen or be true. For example, "She might come to the party tonight" implies a lower probability of her attending.
Formality:
"May" is considered slightly more formal and polite than "might." It is often used in more formal contexts, such as written documents, official requests, or polite inquiries. For example, "May I have your attention, please?"
"Might" is considered less formal and may be used in everyday conversation. It can also be used in more casual or hypothetical situations. For example, "I might go to the beach this weekend if the weather is nice."
Past Possibility:
"Might" is commonly used to express past possibility or to describe a situation in the past where something was uncertain. For example, "He said he might come to the meeting, but he didn't."
Permission:
Both "may" and "might" can be used to ask for permission, but "may" is more commonly used for this purpose. For instance, "May I borrow your book?" is a polite way to ask for permission. "Might" can also be used in this context, but it may be perceived as less formal or more tentative.
Indirect Speech:
"Might" is often used in indirect speech or reported speech to express a level of uncertainty. For example, "She said that she might go to the party" indicates that there is some uncertainty about her attendance, as reported by someone else.
In summary, "may" is generally used to express a higher degree of possibility or permission, is more formal, and is often used in the present tense. "Might" is used to express a lower degree of possibility, can be less formal, and is commonly used in the past tense or in situations where uncertainty i
"May" is considered slightly more formal and polite than "might." It is often used in more formal contexts, such as written documents, official requests, or polite inquiries.
"Might" is commonly used to express past possibility or to describe a situation in the past where something was uncertain. For example, "He said he might come to the meeting, but he didn't."
Both "may" and "might" can be used to ask for permission, but "may" is more commonly used for this purpose. For instance, "May I borrow your book?" is a polite way to ask for permission. "Might" can also be used in this context, but it may be perceived as less formal or more tentative.
Indirect Speech:
"Might" is often used in indirect speech or reported speech to express a level of uncertainty. For example, "She said that she might go to the party" indicates that there is some uncertainty about her attendance, as reported by someone else.
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