Have you ever wondered about the correct way to use the words might and may? Well, if you have, you’re not alone. Both words indicate that something is possible, and the difference between the words is subtle, so many people use them interchangeably. If you want to be one of the few people to use them correctly, here’s what you need to know:
First, you should use may instead of might if you are talking about something that is more likely. So, for instance, I may go home early today. And I might win the lottery. (I don’t even play the lottery, so it is much more likely that I’ll go home early today—and since I came in late, it only seems fitting. It’s all about balance.)
Second, might is the past tense of may, so you should always use might when you’re talking about something that happened in the past. For example, if your boss asks you if your co-worker came in late this morning, you could answer, “She might not have.” And I would say, “Thank you.”
To read more about the correct use of may and might, read this article from Grammar Girl.
Donna Bradley Burcher | Technical Editor | Symitar®
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