Modal verbs May and Might

May, Might

Formal Permission / Formal Prohibition

may / may not + base form of the verb

1. You may start your exam now.

2. You may not wear sandals to work.

Polite Request

May + subject + base form of the verb

1. May I help you?

Possibility / Negative Possibility

may/ might + base form of the verb

1. We may go out for dinner tonight. Do you want to join us?

2. Our company might get the order if the client agrees to the price.

may not / might not + base form of the verb

1. Adam and Sue may not buy that house. It’s very expensive.

2. They might not buy a house at all.

To Make a Suggestion (when there is no better alternative)

may as well / might as well + base form of the verb

1. You may as well come inside. John will be home soon.

2. We might as well take Friday off. There’s no work to be done anyway.

Polite Suggestion

might + base form of the verb

1. You might like to try the salmon fillet. It’s our special today.