May or Might

Questions about "may" and "might" usually bamboozle me, but here is a case where I do discern an actual possible difference in meaning.

"May he go to the club?" is asking for permission
"Might he go to the club?" is asking for permission or asking about possiblity

Neither of these is really a natural way to ask for permission in modern conversational English. Most people woul

I have lived in the US and inhaled American English for 30 years. My observation suggests "might" is gradually losing its function. The only place I may hear people use "might" is in answering. Are you going to John's place to watch the World Cup final? A - I might if my girl friend is not coming home from the dorm. This use is the same as saying " Maybe..." because it involves uncertainty. As far

Being somewhat older than GPY, I have no problems with the differences between may and might.

Unfortunately, these differences are important only to a minority of speakers of BrE older than (I guess) about 60, so there is little point in my attempting to explain them.

I see such things as If Robin Williams had not been inflicted with depression, he may not have c

fivejedjonI see such things as If Robin Williams had not been inflicted with depression, he may not have committed suicide almost daily. That sentence, to me, is meaningless with may; might is essential. However, I am in a (literally) dying minority.

I do agree that "might" sounds better there.

GPYI do agree that "might" sounds better there.

To me, 'may' is simply wrong. It admits the possibility that he did not commit suicide. We know that he did.

Anonymousa question like 'Might he go to the club?' and seem more formal than 'May he go to the club?'

Supposing both involve asking permission, "might" sounds more formal to me, and quite old-fashioned and even very deferential or timid; "may" also sounds formal, but not so old-fashioned; "can" sounds normal and everyday—neither formal nor overly informal. (