What do May and Might mean?

May and might are modal verbs. We use them to talk about things that are possible, but not certain.

They express a degree of uncertainty. This means you are not 100% sure if something is true or will happen.

• It is similar to saying “perhaps” or “it is possible.”
• You use them when you are guessing or making a prediction that is not definite.

When do we use May and Might?

We use may and might to talk about possibilities in the present or the future.

• For present possibilities: You think something is true right now, but you are not sure. For example, He may be at home now.
• For future possibilities: You think something could happen later, but it's not a definite plan. For example, We might go to the beach this weekend.
• You use them when you don't have complete or definite information.

How do we form sentences with May and Might?

The structure for sentences with may and might is very simple.

• First, you need the subject (e.g., I, she, they).
• Then, you add may or might.
• Finally, you use the base form of the main verb (the infinitive without to).

Remember, you do not add -s to the main verb for he, she, or it.

Is there a difference between May and Might?

For expressing possibility, may and might are often very similar and interchangeable.

• Many native speakers use them in the same way.
• Sometimes, might can suggest a slightly smaller or less likely possibility than may. However, this difference is often very small and not always important, especially at A2 level.
• You can generally use either may or might to express possibility without a significant change in meaning.

What about negative sentences?

To make negative sentences with may and might, you simply add not after the modal verb.

• Use may not for negative possibilities. For example, It may not rain this evening. (It's possible it won't rain.)
• Use might not for negative possibilities. For example, They might not come to the party. (It's possible they won't come.)
• There are no common contractions for may not. While mightn't exists, might not is much more common, especially in spoken English.

Examples

• I may visit my grandparents this weekend.
• She might be busy right now.
• It may not be sunny tomorrow.
• They might not finish the project on time.
• He may call you later.
• We might see a movie tonight.
• The train may be late.

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Common Mistakes with May and Might

• Using can for possibility: Many Spanish speakers incorrectly use can to express possibility, perhaps because of a similar use in Spanish. Remember, can is for ability.
  • Wrong: It can rain tomorrow. (This means it *has the ability* to rain.)
  • Right: It may rain tomorrow. or It might rain tomorrow.
• Adding to after may or might: Modal verbs are followed directly by the base form of the verb.
  • Wrong: She might to go to the park.
  • Right: She might go to the park.
• Adding -s to the main verb for he/she/it: The verb after may or might always stays in its base form.
  • Wrong: He may comes to the party.
  • Right: He may come to the party.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use 'may' for permission?

Yes, may can also be used to ask for or give permission, for example, May I come in? or You may leave now. However, in this lesson, we are focusing on its use for possibility.

Are 'may' and 'might' formal or informal?

For expressing possibility, may and might are generally neutral in formality. You can use them in both casual and more formal situations. May can sound slightly more formal when used for permission.

How are 'may' and 'might' tested in the A2 Key exam?

In the A2 Key (KET) exam, you might see may and might in Part 5 (Multiple-choice cloze) or Part 6 (Open cloze) of the Reading and Writing paper. You may need to choose the correct modal verb to express possibility or complete a sentence that talks about an uncertain future event.

Is 'could' similar to 'may' and 'might' for possibility?

Yes, could can also express possibility, especially for future events, similar to may and might. For example, It could rain later means it's possible it will rain. At A2, focus on mastering may and might first.

Related lessons

• Future forms
• Future forms
• Future forms
• Future forms