Definitions
- Used to express possibility or likelihood of something happening in the present or future. - Used to ask for permission or make a polite request. - Used to express a wish or hope for something to happen.
- Used to express a possibility or likelihood of something happening in the present or future, but with less certainty than 'may'. - Used to make a suggestion or offer a tentative idea. - Used to express a past possibility that did not happen.
List of Similarities
- 1Both 'may' and 'might' are modal verbs used to express possibility or likelihood.
- 2Both can be used to make polite requests or suggestions.
- 3Both can be used to express wishes or hopes.
What is the difference?
- 1Certainty: 'May' expresses a higher degree of certainty than 'might'.
- 2Formality: 'May' is considered more formal and polite than 'might'.
- 3Past tense: 'Might' can be used to express a past possibility that did not happen, while 'may' cannot.
- 4Usage: 'May' is more commonly used in everyday language than 'might'.
- 5Connotation: 'May' is often associated with positive possibilities, while 'might' can suggest a more tentative or uncertain possibility.
Remember this!
Both 'may' and 'might' are modal verbs used to express possibility or likelihood, but 'may' is more certain and formal, while 'might' is less certain and more tentative. 'Might' can also be used to express a past possibility that did not happen. 'May' is more commonly used in everyday language and is often associated with positive possibilities.
