Confusable words

may vs might: what's the difference?

may
modal verb
vs
might
modal verb
? ?

May and might both talk about possibility, and in casual speech they're almost interchangeable, but might usually sounds a little less certain.

May

modal verb

May expresses possibility, often with a bit more confidence.

  • It may rain later today.
  • She may join us for dinner.

Might

modal verb

Might expresses possibility too, but usually with a bit less confidence, more doubt.

  • It might rain later today.
  • She might join us, but she's not sure.

Side by side

may might
Confidence level Slightly higher Slightly lower, more doubtful
Everyday use Often used the same as might Often used the same as may
Simple test Either word usually works in casual speech Either word usually works in casual speech

Quick rule

May and might both mean possibly. May can sound a touch more confident, might a touch more doubtful, but in daily conversation, most people use them the same way.

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