Difference between may and might

Question

it may rain.it might rain.

Mr Wordy · Accepted Answer

Different people may give you different answers to this much asked question (if you do an Internet search like http://www.google.co.uk/#hl=en&source=hp&q=difference+between+may+and+might then you can read them at your leisure). In sentences like yours, the general themes seem to be that "may" feels more formal than "might" and implies a greater likelihood than "might".

Personally, I agree that "may" feels slightly more formal (though still OK to use conversationally), but I do not perceive any difference in likelihood,* or any other differences in meaning.

*Edit: This is with normal intonation. If intoning so as to cast doubt on the matter, then "It might rain" feels more natural to me than "It may rain" (italics indicate stress).

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymousit may rain.
it might rain.

Learn the simple things first. For example, learn to capitalize the first word of each sentence. It's probably better if you wait until you've mastered the basics before you try to learn the complications of modal verbs.

I would say that may is more formal than might, but the meanings are the same in your sentences.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

"Learn the simple things first. For example, learn to capitalize the first word of each sentence. It's probably better if you wait until you've mastered the basics before you try to learn the complications of modal verbs."

Ooh, snooty remark! Not helpful! (This last intoned someone who works with/deals with the word as spoken ~ a court reporter, in this case looking for subtler differences between may and might.) How about getting down a little closer to the ground and being less judgmental.

Oh, I see: Only write in: English! Not sure I can comply. I wish I had time to actually engage in sparring, but I've gone off-track with this.

Difference between may and might

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