
English Teacher
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.
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/a...eculation.html
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