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Thread: Might (giving permission)

  1. #1
    Esgaleth is offline VIP Member
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    Default Might (giving permission)

    I'd be grateful to know the difference between the two sentences in terms of giving permission. That is why 'might' can be used in the first sentence while is wrong in the second:

    You ___________ leave if you've finished.
    You ________ use my dictionary if you want.

    Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Might (giving permission)

    'Might' is unnatural in both, 'May' is possible.
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    Your thread title should include all or part of the word/phrase being discussed.
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    Default Re: Might (giving permission)

    Quote Originally Posted by Esgaleth View Post
    I'd be grateful to know the difference between the two sentences in terms of giving permission. That is why 'might' can be used in the first sentence while is wrong in the second:

    You ___________ leave if you've finished.
    You ________ use my dictionary if you want.

    Thanks in advance.
    I wouldn't use "might" in either sentence. I would use "may" or "can".
    Esgaleth likes this.

  4. #4
    Esgaleth is offline VIP Member
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    Default Re: Might (giving permission)

    Quote Originally Posted by 5jj View Post
    'Might' is unnatural in both, 'May' is possible.
    Quote Originally Posted by bhaisahab View Post
    I wouldn't use "might" in either sentence. I would use "may" or "can".
    That was absolutely clear before I saw this (Q1) Could it possibly be a typo?

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Might (giving permission)

    Quote Originally Posted by Esgaleth View Post
    Could it possibly be a typo?
    I'd call it simply a mistake.
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    Your thread title should include all or part of the word/phrase being discussed.
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    Esgaleth is offline VIP Member
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    Default Re: Might (giving permission)

    Quote Originally Posted by 5jj View Post
    I'd call it simply a mistake.
    Thanks, you did take a load off my mind.
    On the other hand, critical thinking is what some are lacking Thanks for the lesson.

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