May and might are used to talk about tense, probability and permission. In most situations they cannot be used interchangeably.
Might is the past tense of may.
- He is having a bad time at the moment. He may lose his job.
- He might have called yesterday, but I was out.
May is used for something that could possibly happen.
- We may go on holiday this summer.
- It may rain, but I am still going out.
Might is used for something that is unlikely to happen.
- If you run, you might catch the train.
- If I ask her for a date, she might say ‘yes’.
May and might are both used when asking for permission. There is no difference in meaning.
- May/Might I use your toilet?
- May/Might I take next week off?
May is used for giving or refusing permission.
- You may use the toilet.
- You may not have next week off.
