What is the difference between may and might?

Answer by  turkerjf (63)

Both mean that something could be possible or true. 'May' is used when the possibility is greater and 'might' is used when there is less possibility. 'May' is used to request permission. 'Might' is used for past tense statements to avoid confusing a possibility with a request for permission.

Answer by  notorious (249)

An example: "You may skip school on Mondays. " It's not clear whether it's a possibility that you will skip school on Mondays or whether the speaker is allowing you to skip school on Mondays. "May" can be used for permission or possibility. Use might for possibility and may for permission.

Answer by  benicio (257)

Although people sometimes use the word "may" to imply possibility, it's better to use it only to imply permission. To imply possibility, you can simply use "might," "could" or "can. "

Answer by  Cae (62)

Saying that Jamie may run has two meanings. The first is that Jamie is allowed to run and the second that there is a possibility Jamie will run, for which might is more appropriate. Jamie might run means merely that there is a possibility she will.