May/might

Question

I might go to bed earlier tonight.I may go to bed earlier tonight.Does one indicate that the going is going to happen more likely than the other one? I sense no difference whatsoever.Thank you.

RandomGuy · Accepted Answer

Some consider may to suggest a higher probability than might. This distinction is far from universal, though. I see no difference, either.

CalifJim · Answer

whatchadoinDoes one indicate that the going is going to happen more likely than the other one?

No. It's just that, at least in the U.S., 'may' is more likely to be used in more formal writing and speech.
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You might also note that 'might' is the usual choice when it's in a subordinate clause under a main clause in the past tense.

Jack said, "I may want to see that movie."
Jack said that he might want to see that movie.
We thought that Jack might want to see that movie.

CJ

Whatchadoin · Answer

CalifJimNo. It's just that, at least in the U.S., 'may' is more likely to be used in more formal writing and speech.

I asked MM if 'may' was more formal and he said it wasn't. Why is that? I've heard from many native speakers that it is.

CalifJimYou might also note that 'might' is the usual choice when it's in a subordinate clause under a main clause in the past tense.Jack said, "I may want to see that movie."Jack said that he might want to see that movie.We thought that Jack might want to see that movie.

I know this.
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I have also heard from a native speaker this: "We have the phrase "pigs might fly" to suggest that something is very unlikely. No-one would say "pigs may fly"

for the same meaning." Is that true?

CalifJim · Answer

whatchadoinI asked MM if 'may' was more formal and he said it wasn't. Why is that?

Why are you asking me? Do you think I can read other people's minds? Ask him!

whatchadoin"We have the phrase "pigs might fly" to suggest that something is very unlikely. No-one would say "pigs may fly" for the same meaning." Is that true?

I don't use those expressions about pigs, so it just sounds like nonsense to me! Sorry, but I can't offer any greater insight on this one.

CJ

Whatchadoin · Answer

Is it also informal to leave out the article "the" in front of the words such as "same", "last" etc?
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Could you also take a look at these sentences?

If she were here, I'd be talking to her.
If she were here, I'd talk to her.

If I were rich, I'd travel all over the world.
If I were rich, I'd be traveling all over the world.

If I were there, you'd just have to scream my name.
If I were there, you'd just have to be screaming my name.

If I'd been there, I would've been talking to her.
If I'd been there, I would've talked to her.

What does "to be + verb+ing"change in such cases? Does it imply the present? Does it have to do something with a duration?

Regards · Answer

Hi,

Pigs might fly is already an idiomatic expression. It is mainly used in BrE, while the version

that is in common use in AmE is when pigs fly.

Regards

CalifJim · Answer

whatchadoinIs it also informal to leave out the article "the" in front of the words such as "same", "last" etc?

Not always. I finished reading that book last night is not informal in any way.

whatchadoinsentences ... What does "to be + verb+ing"change in such cases?

It invites the reader or listener to imagine the situation in greater detail, as if it were really happening before them.

In contrast, without -ing it's just a neutral event.

CJ

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