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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

MAY AND MIGHT

What are differences between may and might ?
  

Top answer

Almost none except the spelling! Only might should be used in a subordinate clause when the main clause has a verb in the past tense: I was afraid that she might (not *may ) do that. I knew that he might (not *may ) not like it.

  • Almost none except the spelling!
  • Only might should be used in a subordinate clause when the main clause has a verb in the past tense: I was afraid that she might (not *may ) do that.
  • I knew that he might (not *may ) not like it.
  • When these are used to indicate possibility, might is preferred in most contexts; may is considered more formal.
  • (American English) __________________________ Of the two, may is standard in asking permission; might is almost overly polite and submissive.
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1 Answers
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Almost none except the spelling!

Only might should be used in a subordinate clause when the main clause has a verb in the past tense:

I was afraid that she might (not *may) do that.
I knew that he might (not *may) not like it.


When these are used to indicate possibility, might i

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