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Usage of may and might

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ESL Forum | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms

payable vs paid | Paragraph about importance of English

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#1 (permalink) Fri Apr 25, 2008 5:32 am Usage of may and might

Could You Tell Me What Is The Difference Between May And Might When Used In The Context Of Possibility?

Justin
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Joined: 25 Apr 2008
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#2 (permalink) Fri Apr 25, 2008 6:02 am USAGE OF MAY AND MIGHT

JUSTIN wrote:

COULD YOU TELL ME WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAY AND MIGHT WHEN USED IN THE CONTEXT OF POSSIBILITY?

Traditionally, may expresses a stronger possibility than might. I think it's still that way for the majority of speakers.

Molly
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Joined: 12 Feb 2008
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#3 (permalink) Fri Apr 25, 2008 11:26 am Usage of may and might

The difference is in the degree of assurance. May - (you are sure or not sure) 50%, might - less. _________________ I am an incurable optimist.

Inga
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Joined: 21 Apr 2008
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#4 (permalink) Fri Apr 25, 2008 11:49 am Usage of may and might

Inga wrote:

The difference is in the degree of assurance. May - (you are sure or not sure) 50%, might - less.

I'm afraid it's not as precise as that.

Sometimes, "might" can be just as strong as "may", or stronger. It often depends on stress and intonation.

e.g.

So, do you think you may come tomorrow?

I might, actually. (Can mean "I think I probably will".)

Molly
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Joined: 12 Feb 2008
Posts: 4017

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payable vs paid | Paragraph about importance of English

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