0
Perspolis Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

May / Might

What is the difference between two below sentences?

a) I don't like to go out today, because my girlfriend may call.

b) I don't like to go out today, because my girlfriend might call.

Thanks!
  

Top answer

perspolis )a) I don't like to go out today, because my girlfriend may call. b) I don't like to go out today, because my girlfriend might call. You can use either, but "might" is the more common in conversation.

— AlpheccaStars

  • perspolis )a) I don't like to go out today, because my girlfriend may call.
  • b) I don't like to go out today, because my girlfriend might call.
  • You can use either, but "might" is the more common in conversation.
  • "May" is more formal and sounds a bit old-fashioned to me.
  • "don't like" is slang, rather than Standard English.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

4 Answers
0
perspolis)a) I don't like to go out today, because my girlfriend may call.
b) I don't like to go out today, because my girlfriend might call.

You can use either, but "might" is the more common in conversation. "May" is more formal and sounds a bit old-fashioned to me.

"don't like" is slang, rather than Standard English. Someone spea
0
0
I agree that the word "like" is incorrectly used in your sentences. I would suggest replacing the word "like" with "want":

- I don't want to go out today because my girlfriend may/might call.

In AmE, it would be more typical to use "might".
0
0
Did you read that, Michael Swan? Take that! In your face! You know where you can "put" your probabilistic analysis of may and might, Michael...
0
0
Tsk, tsk, tsk, Kooyeen! And to think that Mr. Swan has said such nice things about you. Emotion: sad
CJ
0

Related Questions