May or Might: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-03 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: You likely wonder whether to use may or might when writing. Both words are correct, but they serve different purposes. May usually indicates a present possibility, while might suggests a lower probability or functions as the past tense of may.

The Short Answer

Both express possibility; might suggests it is less likely or is the past form. Understanding this distinction helps you convey the exact level of uncertainty you intend in your writing.

People often confuse these two because they sound similar and overlap in meaning. In casual conversation, many speakers use them interchangeably, which blurs the lines and creates uncertainty for writers seeking precision.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
May	Present Tense	Discussing current possibilities with neutral or higher likelihood.
Might	Past Tense / Conditional	Referring to past possibilities or hypothetical scenarios.
Might	Lower Probability	Expressing doubt or a less certain outcome than may.
Both	Interchangeable (Informal)	Writing casually where strict probability distinctions are not required.

Correct Example Sentences

She may arrive early if the traffic is light.
It might rain later, so bring an umbrella just in case.
They said they might visit us last summer.
You may leave the report on my desk by noon.
We might have won the game if we had practiced more.
The committee may approve the budget next week.
He might not remember our previous conversation.
Children may not enter the pool without supervision.
I might join you for lunch if I finish early.
The weather may change quickly in the mountains.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

I think it may have been a mistake.: I think it might have been a mistake.
She might go to the party tonight.: She may go to the party tonight.
He said he may come to the meeting.: He said he might come to the meeting.
You might be careful with that glass.: You may be careful with that glass.
It may have rained yesterday.: It might have rained yesterday.
They might decide to cancel the event.: They may decide to cancel the event.

A Quick Test You Can Use

Ask yourself if the action is happening now or in the past. If it is present, use may. If it is past or hypothetical, use might. Also consider likelihood: if you are less sure, choose might to reflect that lower probability.

Related Word Pairs

Affect vs Effect: Use affect as a verb for influence and effect as a noun for result.
Who vs Whom: Use who for subjects and whom for objects in sentences.
Then vs Than: Use then for time sequences and than for comparisons.
Its vs It's: Use its for possession and it's as a contraction for it is.
Their vs There: Use their for possession and there for location or existence.

More Example Sentences

Students may use dictionaries during the final examination.
We might see northern lights if the sky stays clear.
Visitors may not feed the animals in the zoo.
I might bake a cake if you bring the frosting.
Employees may request a day off with proper notice.
She might forget her keys again, so keep a spare.
Guests may park in the rear lot only.
We might miss the sunset if we leave late.
Drivers may not exceed the speed limit near schools.
He might choose the blue shirt over the red one.

Quick Practice

You submit the form by Friday.

may

I go to the concert, but I am not sure.

might

Passengers not stand in the aisles during takeoff.

may

She become a doctor someday.

might

We visit the museum tomorrow morning.

may

He not know the answer to that question.

might

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use may and might interchangeably?

In formal writing, avoid swapping them. May implies present possibility, while often suggests lower likelihood. Using them correctly shows precision and attention to detail in your communication style.

Is might always the past tense of may?

Not always. While might is the past tense of may, it also functions independently to express a lower probability in present or future contexts. Context determines its specific role.

Which word is more formal, may or might?

Both are formal, but may is often preferred for present permissions or possibilities in professional settings. Might can sound slightly more tentative or distant in formal business correspondence.

Do native speakers make mistakes with these words?

Yes, many native speakers use them interchangeably in casual speech. This informal habit often leads to errors in writing, where the distinction between likelihood and tense matters more.