Use of may and might.

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If you are not using may and might, You are missing a big chunk.

To clarify, if you want to hold or command over the persuasive pitch. You must arm with these vital chunks. The use of may and might is a weapon of the intriguing pitch. In this stiff competition age, one must include these while crafting any tone.

Use of may:

  • Possibility.
  • Permission.
  • Wish.
Use of may

Use of may for Possibility, Permission, and Wish.

As one can see in the above examples. Use of may arises for the multiple purposes. But, for polite and make the pitch soft and persuasive.

For example,

  • There may be other problems that they don’t know about.
  • I may see you tomorrow before you leave.
  • The cause of the accident may never be discovered.
  • The explosion may have been caused by a faulty electrical connection.
  • We’d better not interfere – she may not like it.
  • There may be some evidence to suggest she’s guilty, but it’s hardly conclusive.
  • If used on delicate skin, this cream may produce a stinging sensation.
  • People who suffer a stroke may experience a loss of speech.
  • This afternoon we may see some wintry showers over higher ground.
  • We may have to sell the house, but I hope it won’t come to that.
  • I worry about the destructive effect that violent films may have on children.
  • A reader may borrow up to six books at any one time.
  • “May I help myself to some more food?” “Yes, of course.”
  • Hi, my name’s Tiffany. How may I help you?
  • May you have a long and fruitful marriage.

Use of might.

  • Past simple of may.
  • Possibility.
  • Permission.
  • Suggestion.

For some examples,

  • “I thought you might have helped, ” she replied peevishly.
  • He wrote to me last week regarding a business proposition he thought might interest me.
  • Jan hasn’t got a ticket but I thought we might sneak her in.
  • I suggested that a cup of tea might settle her stomach.
  • I’ve brought with me an article from yesterday’s paper that I thought might amuse you.
  • I might come and visit you next year if I can save enough money.
  • Don’t go any closer – it might be dangerous/it might not be safe.
  • Driving so fast, he might have had a nasty accident (= it could have happened but it did not).
  • The rain might have stopped by now.
  • Might I ask a question?
  • I wonder if I might have a quick look at your newspaper?

A comparison in terms of capacity and possibility.

Possibility graph for can, may, and might.

Thus, if one wants to show hundred percent possibility. He should use can. for sixty percent use may. And, to show the low possibility, use might.

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