Usage of may and might

"May" and "might" express possibility and permission, with "may" often used for more formal or likely possibilities and permission, while "might" is typically for lower, more hypothetical possibilities or past events and is also common in spoken English. For a past possibility, use "might have + past participle" (e.g., She might have missed the train).

Using May

Permission: Used to ask for and give permission, especially formally.

Example:

May I come in? - நான் உள்ளே வரலாமா?

You may leave - நீங்கள் வெளியேறலாம்.

Possibility: Expresses a possibility, sometimes with a slightly higher or more certain likelihood than "might".

Example:

It may rain later - பின்னர் மழை பெய்யலாம்.

We may have to reschedule the meeting - நாம் சந்திப்பை மீண்டும் திட்டமிட வேண்டியிருக்கலாம்.

Using Might

Possibility: Expresses a lower, more hypothetical, or less certain possibility.

Example:

If I bought a lottery ticket, I might win - நான் ஒரு லாட்டரி சீட்டு வாங்கினால், நான் வெல்லக்கூடும்.

Tom might win this game - இந்த ஆட்டத்தில் டாம் ஜெயிக்கலாம்.

Past Possibility: Used to talk about a past possibility that did not happen.

Example:

She might have missed the train - அவள் ரயிலைத் தவறவிட்டிருக்கலாம்.

I might have forgotten my keys - நான் என் சாவியை மறந்து போயிருக்கலாம்.

Polite Requests/Suggestions: Can be used to make suggestions or requests.

Example:

You might want to check your email - நீங்கள் உங்கள் மின்னஞ்சலைப் பாா்க்க விரும்பியிருக்கலாம்.

Key Differences Summarized

Formality: "May" is generally more formal than "might".

Likelihood: "May" suggests a stronger or more likely possibility, while "might" suggests a weaker or more hypothetical one.

Past Tense: "Might" is the past form of "may" and is preferred for past possibilities.

Summary and Practice

You have now learned the key differences in usage between may and might and the situations in which may and might be used. You now know when to use may and might.

Do it yourself

1. நான் வரலாமா?
2. நீ வரலாம்.
3. அவள் போயிருக்கலாம்.
4. அவள் எடுத்திருக்கலாம்
5. நான் இதை எடுக்கலாமா?