May or Might Flashcards
May and Might have similar meaning in terms of possibility.
In academic and formal, we use MAY to talk about characteristics and behavior.
In speech we prefer might to talk about possibility.
The seed of the plant may grow up to 20 centimeters.
I might paint the kitchen purple.
Don’t use MAY to ask questions about possibility. We use could (n’t) or BE LIKELY.
Could it be that you don’t want to leave?
Are you likely to be in Spain again this summer?
In formal questions, use MIGHT about possibility.
Might they be persuaded to change their minds?
In formal questions, use MAY about permission or offering help.
May I leave now?
May I help you?
Use MIGHT (not may) + INFINITIVE to say a thing was typically the case in the past.
To say about ability, use COULD.
During the war, the police might (could) arrest you for criticizing the government.
Years ago, children might be sent down mines at the age of six.
May ou might to talk about having characteristics.
The painting may not be a masterpiece, but the colors are remarkable.
She might not have danced gratefully, but she had energy and enthusiasm.
Use may or might (not CAN) to talk about possible events in present, past or future.
Do you think Laura may/might/could have completed the report by now? past.
His maths may/might have improved by the time the exams. future.
Marco may/might be working at home today. present.
When I go to Rome, I may/might be staying with Joe.
Use May/might have+been+ ING to talk about activities that went on over a period of past.
Callum didn’t know where the ball was, but he thought his sister might have been playing with it before she left to school.
