may or might ?

[linda askew]

when should we use may and when might?

[riverkid]

when should we use may and when might?

That's quite an expansive issue, Linda. Basically, 'might' is a weaker modal in epistemic uses [level of certainty] and in deontic uses [social].

"I might go"/"It might rain" both show a weaker level of certainty than "I may go"/"It may rain".

Because 'might' is weaker epistemically, it is also used, though it's not overly common, as a softer form of politeness, a deontic use.

Might I borrow a pen?


See the thread "Modals of Speculation" for a more complete discussion.

http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/as...eculation.html