May and Might for Permission and Possibility are modal verbs that help you express both permission and possibility. Mastering their correct use can enhance clarity and formality in your communication. This lesson focuses on using these modals effectively to ask for, grant permission, and express possibilities.
Examples
Example 1
IncorrectYou might to go to the party tonight.
BetterYou might go to the party tonight.
'Might' should be followed directly by the base form of the verb without 'to'.
Example 2
IncorrectShe may to leave early today.
BetterShe may leave early today.
'May' is used to grant permission and should be followed by the base verb.
How It Works
Meaning
'May' and 'might' are modal verbs used to express permission and possibility. They help communicate whether something is allowed or likely to happen. The formation pattern is: subject + may/might + base verb. Understanding these modals is crucial at the B2 level for effective communication.
Use it when
- Requesting or granting permission in formal contexts.
- Expressing a possibility or uncertainty about future events.
- Writing academic or professional emails where politeness is required.
- Discussing hypothetical situations where outcomes are not certain.
See it
Quick rules
- Use 'may' for formal permission and 'might' for less certain possibilities.
- Always follow 'may' and 'might' with the base form of the verb.
- Do not use 'to' after 'may' or 'might'.
- Use 'might' for hypothetical or less likely events.
Common Mistakes
Common problem 1
Using 'to' after 'may' or 'might'
WeakYou may to start the project now.
StrongYou may start the project now.
Fix: Never use 'to' after 'may' or 'might'; use the base verb directly.
Common problem 2
Confusing 'may' with 'might' for certainty
WeakHe may come to the party, but he is not sure.
StrongHe might come to the party, but he is not sure.
Fix: Use 'might' for less certain possibilities.
Practice Lab
Practice
Notice the correct use of 'may' and 'might'. Then apply it in new sentences.
Score: 0/3
Consider the level of certainty and formality needed when choosing 'may' or 'might'.
1. Quick pick
Choose the correct sentence for asking permission.
2. Build it
Put this sentence about possibility in the correct order.
Tap a chunk to move it down. Tap it again to send it back.
3. Final sort
Mark each sentence as correct or needing a fix.
You may leave the meeting early.
You might to leave the meeting early.
The project might be delayed due to unexpected issues.
Why It Matters
🎯 Why it matters: Using 'may' and 'might' correctly can significantly affect the tone and formality of your communication. Mastering these modals ensures that your requests and permissions are conveyed with the appropriate level of politeness and clarity, which is crucial in both professional and academic settings. They also help you express possibilities with the right degree of certainty.
Get Feedback
Personalized score feedback
Get clear next-step advice.
Choose the support that matches your study goal. You get direct correction, clear scoring language, and a simple next step.
Best when you need precise correction on grammar control, task response quality, and exam-style scoring.
Personalized Coaching
Need faster IELTS improvement? Book a focused 1:1 strategy session.Get free Band 7+ strategies every week
Get free Band 7+ strategies every week