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Marold Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

May vs. Might

Are there any differences between these two modal verbs when it comes to expressing the future? Which either of them can be used in that way?

If it has no bearing on a difference regarding the future, I'd be thankful to ask you for some basic grammatic rules where these two verbs differ from each other.
  

Top answer

As a general rule, "may" expresses a greater probability than "might" when referring to the future, even though usually there's little to no difference in meaning: I may be able to help you with that. I might be able to help you with that. But this subject is so broad that it would help us a great deal if you provided a sample sentence or context you would have problems with.

— Ozzourti

  • As a general rule, "may" expresses a greater probability than "might" when referring to the future, even though usually there's little to no difference in meaning: I may be able to help you with that.
  • I might be able to help you with that.
  • But this subject is so broad that it would help us a great deal if you provided a sample sentence or context you would have problems with.
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2 Answers
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As a general rule, "may" expresses a greater probability than "might" when referring to the future, even though usually there's little to no difference in meaning:

I may be able to help you with that.
I might be able to help you with that.

But this subject is so broad that it would help us a great deal if you provided a sample sentence or context you would have
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MaroldAre there any differences between these two modal verbs when it comes to expressing the future?
No. If you restrict the usage in that way, then the only difference is that 'may' is slightly more formal.
It seems to me that, in the U.S. anyway, 'might' is preferred over 'may' in ordinary conversation.
Maroldbasic grammatic rul
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