What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to express possibility with may and might and ask for permission politely with may.
When do I use it?
may and might both talk about possibility in the present or future. They are very similar, and might often sounds slightly less certain.
- It may rain this afternoon.
- She might come to the party. (Less sure than "may")
may is also the polite way to ask for permission: May I open the window? Might is not used for permission.
For questions about possibility, English usually prefers do you think or other phrasing, but the negative works: He may not agree.
How do I form it?
may/might + base verb
Subject + may/might + base verb + rest. Example: We may arrive late. They might be busy. Negative: That may not be true.
There is no change for he/she/it and no -s on the main verb. No "to" after may/might — never "may to go".
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
Spanish "puede que + subjunctive" (as in "puede que venga") makes learners add an extra verb: "She may to come" is wrong, it is "She may come". Others write "I can come" when they mean a chance, but for possibility the natural word is "may" or "might": "I might come" is not "I can come". Also avoid adding -s to the main verb: "He may goes" is wrong because the modal carries the sentence and the main verb stays in the base form.
Think of may and might as a chance, not a skill. If you can say "maybe", use may or might.
Practice
Multiple Choice
A2Which sentence politely asks for permission?
Fill in the Blank
A2We stay at home tonight, but we are not sure.
Hint: We need a modal of possibility; the clue 'we are not sure' points to may or might.
Find the Error
A2Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: A2