May/might

[Gordon..J]

Does it matter whether I say, "I may attend the seminar tonight" or "I might attend the seminar tonight"?

[mara_ce]

Apparently might is less likely than may, and may is more common in formal language.

[Raymott]

Originally Posted by Gordon..J

Does it matter whether I say, "I may attend the seminar tonight" or "I might attend the seminar tonight"?

I'd say 'might' personally, but it wouldn't concern me if someone said 'may'.

[bhaisahab]

Originally Posted by Gordon..J

Does it matter whether I say, "I may attend the seminar tonight" or "I might attend the seminar tonight"?

Not at all.

[MrPedantic]

The tone of voice is quite important. Thus here, I would think the speakers in #1 and #3 more likely to attend than the speakers in #2 and #4.

1. I might be going to the seminar tonight! [said in a pleased tone]
2. I may go to the seminar tonight. [said doubtfully]
3. I may be going to the seminar tonight! [said in a pleased tone]
4. I might go to the seminar tonight. [said doubtfully]

MrP

[Raymott]

Originally Posted by Gordon..J

Does it matter whether I say, "I may attend the seminar tonight" or "I might attend the seminar tonight"?

Of course there is the 'permissive' sense of 'may' and 'might'.

"The professor said that I may attend the seminar tonight." In this context, it's a lot more common (at least where I come from) than:
The professor said that I might attend the seminar tonight".

Another meaning - suggestion:
Professor: "You might turn up to seminars occasionally, Watkins" Not 'may'.