Contributor: Kristen Gardiner. Lesson ID: 11027
May I ask if you might be interested in this lesson on modals? I hope you may, and not might, be ready to learn the differences between "may" and "might" so you could, even may, learn proper grammar!
Anyone who has ever been in a classroom or watched a cliché TV show or movie is familiar with this exchange:
The question is, "Why do teachers continue to make this joke? What's the punch line?" If you don't get it, keep reading!
I'll tell you why the joke is funny, but I'll have you know I am breaking teacher code.
The words "can" and "may" are both modal verbs; these are auxiliary verbs that express such concepts as necessity, possibility, ability, and probability.
In this case, it's all about definition and verb confusion. It is absolutely necessary that you choose the correct words when you write and speak. You don't want to miss out on the joke, do you?
The word "can" means "to be capable or able to do something." For example, in the illustration above, Billy is literally asking his teacher if he is physically capable of getting up out of his seat, getting himself to the lavatory, and whatnot. Do you get it now? Think about how you typically use the word "can" in everyday conversation.
I can do a handstand. I can play the piano. There are a number of things that I can physically do; I am capable, I can perform many actions. (As a quick aside, the word "could," often confused with "can," is simply the past tense of "can." Use "could" when talking about things that you were once able to do, but can no longer do. For example, when I was younger, I could run a mile in less than five minutes. Can I do it now? No, I cannot.)
"May," on the other hand, is a bit different and is often misused along with its partner, "might."
Now that you know the meaning and usage of the modal verb "can," let's move on and learn the differences between — and the correct usage of — "may" and "might."
They are commonly thought to be interchangeable, but there is a difference in meaning that may make a difference in what you mean to say and what you are actually saying.
Here's a list of how the two words are properly used in the English language:
1. To express (future) possibility
Use "may" when there is an actual possibility the event will happen.
Use "might" when the event is unlikely to occur.
2. To give permission
"May not" can be used to NOT give permission or to prohibit someone from doing something.
3. To ask for permission
4. To talk about typical occurrences
"May" is used in academic and scientific language to refer to things that typically happen in certain situations.
5. To speculate about past actions (May + have + past participle)
6. To express well wishes
As you can see from all the creative examples provided, "might" is only used in one situation: to express future possibility when the event is not very likely to occur. You may want to view "might" as a negative word, unless you are using it to speculate about a bad situation, in which case, it's good. (The vet said my dog might need to wear a cone on his head if he doesn't stop scratching his ear.)
Although you may understand these words and how to use them, let's practice so you don't misspeak the next time you ask permission!