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#2 (permalink) Sun Mar 06, 2011 11:13 am may have meant & might have meant |
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There is no difference in meaning of the two 'present perfect' forms (which are actually past tenses of those auxiliaries). In simple tenses, they can also be synonymous, or 'might' can be the past of 'may' (as in reported speech). _________________ Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's |
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Mister Micawber Language Coach
Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 13014
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#3 (permalink) Sun Mar 06, 2011 12:58 pm may have meant & might have meant |
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Hi E2e4,
If I remember correctly, 'may' and 'might' are different in their levels of possibility. That is 'may' is slightly more sure (50% chance) while 'might' expresses more doubt (20-30% chance). _________________ "I would rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." Kurt Cobain |
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Atomos I'm here quite often ;-)

Joined: 18 Jul 2008 Posts: 171 Location: Vietnam
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#4 (permalink) Sun Mar 06, 2011 13:35 pm may have meant & might have meant |
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I'm afraid that is not really true, Atomos. That is one of those prescriptions cooked up for convenience' sake. In reality, native use depends more on individual habit. _________________ Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's |
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Mister Micawber Language Coach
Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 13014
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#5 (permalink) Sun Mar 06, 2011 18:01 pm may have meant & might have meant |
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Yes, that's not really true. But I'm afraid that the difference is necessary in our written tests. _________________ Rolling stone gathers no moss. |
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Bookaholic_English I'm here quite often ;-)

Joined: 17 Sep 2010 Posts: 578
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#6 (permalink) Sun Mar 06, 2011 23:39 pm may have meant & might have meant |
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Can you show me a written test where 'may' vs 'might' is tested other than in reported speech or another present vs past structure? _________________ Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's |
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Mister Micawber Language Coach
Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 13014
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| Sentences March 4 | It's time you go to bed vs. It's time you went to bed |