Determining whether something is very likely or remotely likely is the difference between choosing “may” or “might” for your sentence. Here is the breakdown: Use “may” when something is more likely to happen. Use “might” if something is less likely to happen or in a hypothetical situation.

Right away we notice that might deals with situations that are speculative or did not actually happen, i.e. hypothetical, whereas may deals with situations that are possible or could be factual. An easy way to express/remember this difference is that might suggests a lower probability than does may.

May and might are modal verbs that can have a similar meaning. They can be used to describe two ideas: Possibility (in the past, present or future) Permission.

“May” indicates that you are more likely to do something. I may go to the store means I probably will go to the store. “Might” suggests that you are less likely to do something.

Might sentence example

1. It might have done damage inside.
2. If you could see a way it might be possible, then it must be possible.
3. We might have done something to help you.
4. This might be the most difficult decision she would ever make.
5. Either situation might be the case.
6. No one knows what the mother might do.

Maybe /ˈmeɪbi/ is an adverb and it means the same as perhaps. It is written as one word: Maybe no one will come to the party. Not: May be no one will come to the party.

Uses of Can and Could

• Ability.
• Can expresses ability. Cannot (can’t) shows inability.
• Could.
• Could is the past tense of can. It is used to talk about ability that existed in the past.
• Indirect speech.
• Could is the past tense of can in indirect speech.
• Possibility or uncertainty.
• Could may express possibility or uncertainty.

Will and shall are modal verbs. They are used with the base form of the main verb (They will go; I shall ask her). Shall is only used for future time reference with I and we, and is more formal than will.

Both “may” and “can” are used to indicate that something is allowed, but “may” is more formal: “You may leave whenever you like” is more formal than “You can go whenever you want to.” Children are often taught that only “may” is used for permission, and that “can” is used only for ability.

Yes, ‘might’ and ‘could’ have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. Sometimes they can have different connotations. For example, using ‘might’ in the first sentence has a connotation that you may or may not work harder if they pay you more.

Example Sentences using MAY and MIGHT

1. I might watch another episode.
2. You may bring a partner to our event.
3. He may have been.
4. She might tell us what happened if we ask her.
5. It might rain this afternoon.
6. We may be invited but I’m not sure.
7. They might go to the beach this weekend.

We use might when we are not sure about something in the present or future: I might see you tomorrow. It looks nice, but it might be very expensive. It’s quite bright.

“Might” is a modal verb most commonly used to express possibility. It is also often used in conditional sentences. English speakers can also use “might” to make suggestions or requests, although this is less common in American English. Examples: Your purse might be in the living room.

language note: Might is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. You use might to indicate that something will possibly happen or be true in the future, but you cannot be certain.

When might is used in a conditional sentence, the if clause can be in the present or the past tense….May and might – Easy Learning Grammar.

“You should be supervising your children at the park.” “He should be working on the project instead of sleeping.” “She should take a break.”