The uses of 'might as well'

Question

How do you use 'might as well'? I'm really confused......     Is this a correct way of saying 'might as well'? =&gt;   I might as well go fourth for the speeches Have a most wonderful day!!

Just the truth · Accepted Answer

Sure, your example is fine, JK.

is just a weakened form of "let's do something this way". Instead of stating that you are certain something would be the best way to proceed, you make it less direct, more deferential, more polite by weakening it with 'may or might'.

Guest · Answer

Nice question.
But how about:

She might as well die.

Is that correct?

guest

MrPedantic · Answer

is just a weakened form of "let's do something this way". Instead of stating that you are certain something would be the best way to proceed, you make it less direct, more deferential, more polite by weakening it with 'may or might'.
'Might as well' has a different sense in BrE, and would not be regarded as polite or deferential. In fact, it would probably seem a little rude to answer a suggestion with a 'might as well' sentence.

In BrE it means:

1. 'X might as well do ABC [as anything else].'

i.e. it has a slight tone of grudging resignation: ABC is not viewed as an attractive option, but on balance is no worse (or perhaps marginally better) than any of the alternatives.

2. 'Shall I put the news on?' 'You might as well.'

i.e. 'put the news on if you want to; it's no worse than any other option'.

3. 'This is the most boring party I've ever been to. We might as well go home.'

i.e 'home is as attractive an option as staying at this party, and perhaps marginally more attractive; so let's go home'.

4. 'We might as well let her die. If she recovers now, she'll be seriously brain-damaged.'

i.e. there is little point in continuing the process of resuscitation (this is a version of Guest's sentence).

'May as well' has slightly less sense of resignation in BrE, but is still a little negative:

5. 'MrP is coming in later to discuss modal verbs.' 'Oh dear. How very dull.' 'I agree; but we may as well hear what he has to say.'

MrP

Paco2004 · Answer

Hellp Mr P

'Oh dear. How very dull.' 'I agree; but we may as well hear what he has to say

No, we are really wanting to hear from you about how to use modals.
It must be a nimble explanation. We (at least me) are waiting.

paco

CalifJim · Answer

Mr. P.,

That's a perfect explanation for AmE as well!

Jim

The uses of 'might as well'

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