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A2 · Pre-intermediate15 min

May vs might

Syllabus topic 13: May vs might

May vs might. May and might can both express uncertain possibility; there is no fixed percentage difference.

How it works

May and might can both express uncertain possibility; there is no fixed percentage difference. May I is a polite permission request. May not can mean lack of permission or uncertain non-occurrence, depending on context. Might is not the usual form for giving permission.

Examples in context

Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.

  • May I come in, please? (formal permission)
  • It may rain later.
  • He might know the answer.
  • You may not enter: this area is closed. (permission refused)
  • may and might

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Question 1 of 50% complete

___ I come in, please? (formal permission)

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