music made using instruments such as synthesizers (= electronic keyboards) and electronic drums, often containing samples (= small pieces) of recorded sound. Modals of Ability 2 - Can, Could, Be able to, May, Might Use the best modal to complete each sentence; use a negative form when necessary. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, Define might. But it might not be possible to have receive it within the recommended time frame. Can, Could, May and Might Exercise Use one of the modal verbs in brackets to fill each gap. Next… (week, year, month, etc.) She might get a ride from Bill. You (may not/might not) speak during this exam. Share Share Tweet Email. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_300x250' }}, Might carries with it less probability and applies to hypothetical and counterfactual situations. Might is also the past tense of may. googletag.pubads().disableInitialLoad(); Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors, Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors, Conjunctions: causes, reasons, results and purpose, Relative clauses referring to a whole sentence, Relative clauses: defining and non-defining, Nationalities, languages, countries and regions, types of English (formal, informal, etc. They might have arrived by now. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_dc", "british-grammar"); pid: '94' 'min': 8.50, 'cap': true 1 They (can/might) be away for the weekend but I'm not sure. Might is used to express what is hypothetical, counterfactual, or remotely possible. All Free. The exception is when may used as a verb meaning "wish" (imperative) May you live long and prosper. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971081', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, },{ a) may a) might be b) may be b) might not be 8. Any future time can be used with will, may and might. May definition is - —used to indicate possibility or probability —sometimes used interchangeably with can —sometimes used where might would be expected. googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { if (!event.isEmpty && event.slot.renderCallback) { event.slot.renderCallback(event); } }); { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_mobile_flex' }}, This might be a nod to recent rumors from another reliable Apple prognosticator Ming-Chi Kuo that Apple plans to release two MacBook Pros with mini-LED displays in ... then it may … name: "criteo" The two words may and might cause a lot of confusion in English and many writers aren’t sure when to use which one. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_leftslot_160x600' }}, A lot of people use them interchangeably, especially in speech, but is there really no difference between the two? 2. Here may and be are two separate words, whereas maybe is one word: We use may as a modal verb in the phrase may be. If I win the lottery, I might buy a Ferrari. - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary 'increment': 0.5, could, may : might conditional of may: 1. dfpSlots['rightslot'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_rightslot', [[300, 250]], 'ad_rightslot').defineSizeMapping(mapping_rightslot).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'mid').setTargeting('hp', 'right').addService(googletag.pubads()); (In a local English book written by a non-English author states, "May Be Able is used for a possibility, perhaps / possible Marsh lend him money.) { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 50] }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776358', position: 'atf' }}, params: { No, calling Mr. Smith at two o’clock … life on other planets. Jealousy vs. 3. 1 They (can/might) ..... be away for the weekend but I'm not sure. } Might You Mean May?. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_pt", "entry"); if(!isPlusPopupShown()) { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971081', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, }); { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, userSync: { name: "pubCommonId", pbjsCfg.consentManagement = { { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, Is it true? The difference in degree between “You may be right” and “You might be right” is slight but not insignificant: if I say you may be right about something, there is a higher degree of probability that you are right about it than if I say you might be right about something. Far from just a few grammar-loving pedants, the majority of experts view this distinction as necessary, and if you’re writing for any kind of professional audience, you will want to make sure you’re keeping these two words separated. What does be that as it may expression mean? may synonyms, may pronunciation, may translation, English dictionary definition of may. ... A Prime Suspect for Dark Matter Might Be … { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50]] } }, {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50]] } }, May is the more formal word, and if you are at all concerned about being tut-tutted, a safe choice. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, name: "pbjs-unifiedid", { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, When considering may as a word, it actually has three uses in English language. type: "html5", { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, We use may have and might have to make guesses about the past: I haven't received your letter. May and might can also both be used when asking for permission. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_mobile_flex' }}, In speaking, we sometimes use maybe at the end of what we say when we are making a suggestion which we are not very certain about: There’s something wrong with my PC. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, I may be … : *, chapter=1 , title= Mr. Pratt's Patients, chapter=1 , passage=I stumbled along through the young pines and huckleberry bushes. Soon… Someday… This…. That one discusses 'may'/'might' as the primary verb in the sentence and whether or not 'might' is the past tense (or completed) form of the word 'may'. May vs Might. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654208' }}, Für may benutzt man die Ersatzform to be allowed to.Außer im Simple Present kann may in keiner anderen Zeitform verwendet werden.. 1. For My Hero Academia's All Might, age can be more than a number when there are young heroes looking for a role model. How to use may in a sentence. Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -. Can / could - exercises May / might Must / have to Shall / should Will / would Mixed modals - exercises Had better Home. {code: 'ad_leftslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_leftslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_leftslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[120, 600], [160, 600]] } }, But 2, Marsh might be able to lend you money. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; 'min': 3.05, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776140', position: 'atf' }}, "May be" (two words) is similar to "might be," "could be," or "would be." storage: { { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, { params: { pbjs.que = pbjs.que || []; "sign-out": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/auth/signout?rid=READER_ID" Might and may are called modals. 3. May and might is another pair of very confusing English words whose usages often overlap. priceGranularity: customGranularity, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; partner: "uarus31" { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [320, 50] }}, 6 Listen, please. name: "_pubcid", googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_tc", "resp"); { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_rightslot_flex' }}, A new study suggests someone might be able to get infected with one of the new variants of the coronavirus even if they've had Covid-19 before or have been vaccinated. } if(refreshConfig.enabled == true) { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_leftslot' }}]}, 'max': 30, 8 You (couldn't/might not) smoke on the bus. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. May have should not be used in the past tense. She might not have taken the bus. May be designates a possibility. var googletag = googletag || {}; They both indicate that something is possible, but something that may happen is more likely than something that might happen.So you may go to a party if Matt Damon invites you, but you might go to a party if your least favorite cousin invites you. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_leftslot_160x600' }}, }, Maybe or may be ? { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_300x250' }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_ei = maybe-or-may-be"); I may go home early if I feel tired. } iasLog("exclusion label : resp"); Axions may be responsible for an excess of X-ray emissions coming from a group of neutron stars in our galaxy. 'cap': true bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, name: "identityLink", Some people claim that you can use might have and may have interchangeably, but this is a bad idea. Thanks, Elizabeth! He might have called earlier, but I was not home. Video: may / might. }, Together they refer to probability of something occurring or something that might already exist. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654149' }}, 5 (May/Can) you play the piano? (2) Be aware that "may" can express the idea of permission. var mapping_leftslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1063, 0], [[120, 600], [160, 600], [300, 600]]).addSize([963, 0], [[120, 600], [160, 600]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); might - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. There is a chance that something is true or that there is a possibility … They both indicate that something is possible, but something that may happen is more likely than something that might happen. if(success && (tcData.eventStatus === 'useractioncomplete' || tcData.eventStatus === 'tcloaded')) { May beis a verb phrase meaning "might be" or "could be." var mapping_houseslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([963, 0], [300, 250]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); }); I just can’t think about dinner right now. It is written as one word: Not: May be no one will come to the party. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, syncDelay: 3000 { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, If you can substitute the words could be or might be in your sentence, then you are using may be as a verb and it should be written as two separate words. I’m not sure. We use maybe and may be to talk about possibility. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, While may is used in a situation where something is possible to happen, but you are not sure about it. Wellbeing or Well-Being – Which is Correct? {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, Bitcoin mining might be a profitable business in Kazakhstan as miners may be within lowest 5% of electricity rates globally: report. When talking about something that is not happening, it can be better to use might to avoid confusion with the permissive may. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, They may be stuck in the elevator for a while. iasLog("__tcfapi useractioncomplete or tcloaded ", tcData, success); userIds: [{ var pbTabletSlots = [ Many people still think that MAY (present tense) should be used when we talk about a current situation and MIGHT (past tense) should be used when we talk about an event that happened in the past.. This might be a nod to recent rumors from another reliable Apple prognosticator Ming-Chi Kuo that Apple plans to release two MacBook Pros with … }; { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [300, 50] }}, May and might is another pair of very confusing English words whose usages often overlap. If there is an implication of permission in the statement being made, using maycould be interpreted as an indication that you do not have permission rather than the likelihood that it will happen… To me, ‘might’ is much more natural in informal conversation and ‘may’ sounds more formal. Please clear me the meaning & uses of both. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_HDX' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, googletag.pubads().setCategoryExclusion('mcp').setCategoryExclusion('resp').setCategoryExclusion('wprod'); { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, Both can be used in place of each other in most circumstances, except at times when the sentence ‘sounds’ wrong, for example: ‘He may do it’, ‘they may do it’, ‘he might do it’, and ‘they might do it’. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [300, 600] }}, For example. If I had shown up on time, I might have kept my job. iasLog("exclusion label : wprod"); 2 You (may/might) ..... leave now if you wish. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, This question is more about choosing between 'may'/'might' in a clause (which, in both cases is forward-looking). filterSettings: { In the phrase may be /meɪ bi:/ may is a modal verb and be is a main or auxiliary verb. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? { (present tense) She might have taken the keys before going to work. 6 Responses to “Might, May, and Can” Corina on October 08, 2009 9:20 pm. May is used to express what is possible, factual, or could be factual. {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, "authorization": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/auth/info?rid=READER_ID&url=CANONICAL_URL&ref=DOCUMENT_REFERRER&type=&v1=&v2=&v3=&v4=british-grammar&_=RANDOM", If John Lennon had not been shot, the Beatles might have gotten back together. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, dfpSlots['btmslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_btmslot', [[300, 250], 'fluid'], 'ad_btmslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_btmslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'btm').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); }, tcData.listenerId); { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, Many people still think that MAY (present tense) should be used when we talk about a current situation and MIGHT (past tense) should be used when we talk about an event that happened in the past.. For example: Sarah may be present at the party. For example. can vs. may 'increment': 0.05, For example. Define may. My Hero Academia: All Might May Be Older Than You Think. That's what Wood's former law partners wrote in a legal brief quoting what they describe as recorded conversations proving that the lawyer gunning to overturn the 2020 election has a habit of associating himself with "God Almighty." While both of these words can be used to ask permission, if you’re not careful, they can lead to ambiguity. However, here are three considerations: (1) Many English speakers treat "may" as more likely than "might." name: "unifiedId", ; You may see her every morning walking with her son. 4 He (can/could) be French, judging by his accent. So you may go to a party if Matt Damon invites you, but you might go to a … Worksheets - handouts. addPrebidAdUnits(pbAdUnits); … },{ },{ There was some hopeful news Tuesday from Alameda County's health officer -- COVID-19 case rates rose after the holidays but may be stabilizing. Perhaps they feel a bit lonely. Maybe is an adverb that means possibly or perhaps. } { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654174' }}, googletag.pubads().set("page_url", "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/maybe-or-may-be"); filter: 'include' May is used to express what is possible, factual, or could be factual. May expresses likelihood while might expresses a stronger sense of doubt or a contrary-to-fact hypothetical. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, May be is a verb phrase meaning "might be" or "could be.". I may go home early if I feel tired. type: "html5", What happens next, though, still isn’t certain. dfpSlots['leftslot'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_leftslot', [[120, 600], [160, 600]], 'ad_leftslot').defineSizeMapping(mapping_leftslot).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'left').addService(googletag.pubads()); They are two separate words. - Ти можеш зайти. As verbs, the phrase “may be” will always modify a noun, e.g. MAY BE May is a modal verb which indicates possibility. ga('send', 'pageview'); Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Nun haben wir „may/might be doing“! The difference between may and might is subtle. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '194852', size: [300, 250] }}, (Author says Might Be Able means Marsh will not give him money) Is it true? May be as verb phrase: May be is not an adverb but rather a verb phrase with ‘may’ and ‘be’ both being verbs.