You May, and You Might

You may skip class. You might skip class. Do those mean the same thing? Find out on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

What is Grammar Minute?

Saving the English language 60 seconds at a time.

Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we’re saving the English language sixty seconds at a time! I’m Lauren Smyth, and I’ve got a pop quiz. What exactly does “I may go to the grocery store” mean? Does it mean that there’s a chance I’ll decide to go, or does it mean that I could go if I wanted to?
Well, plot twist: there’s no simple answer. “May” and “might” are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. “May” connotes permission or a non-fact that could become factual, while “might” connotes a degree of probability that is usually lower than “may.” For example, you may skip English class. It’s unlikely that anyone will come after you with a pitchfork if you do. Except me. I might come after you. I may not come after you, however, because the law generally forbids chasing people with pitchforks.
Another fun fact: “Might” is the past tense of “may. You should not use “may have” instead of “might have” for any reason whatsoever.
That’s your grammar minute! Visit thegrammarminute.com for more tips and tricks.