student asking question

What's the difference between 'might' and 'may'? And in what situation is 'might' used?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Might and may both imply the possibility of something happening in a situation. The difference between them is slight! Might is usually used in the past tense, as it is here, and may is used in the present tense. However, the other difference could be the chance of something happening; "may" implies a bigger possibility than "might." So if "might" is used in the present tense, it will probably mean that the possibility is smaller. Ex: I thought I might go to the shops later. => past thought Ex: I may go to the shops later. => present tense Ex: She might be able to help you. => small possibility Ex: She may be able to help you. => big possibility but not certain.

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