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.

May I come in?

You may leave.

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

It may rain later.

We may have to reschedule the meeting.

Using Might

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

If I bought a lottery ticket, I might win.

Tom might win this game.

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

She might have missed the train.

I might have forgotten my keys.

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

You might want to check your email.

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.