Expressing Possibility

Expressing Possibility

We use may and might to say that something is possible, but we are not certain. In most cases, we can use them interchangeably.

Maybe vs. may be

• Maybe he is at home.
  = He may be at home.
  → Maybe is one word and means "perhaps".
  → May be is the modal may + the verb be.

Possibility (present or future)

Use:
may/might + base verb

• Maybe you'll like it.
  = You may like it.
• Maybe Jack will go by bus.
  = Jack may go by bus.
• Maybe she will come too.
  = She might come too.

May and might have a similar meaning. Might often suggests a little less certainty.

Possibility of an action happening now

For a possibility that something is happening now, use:
may/might + be + verb-ing

• Maybe Kate is working.
  = Kate may be working.
• Maybe he's sleeping.
  = He might be sleeping.
• Maybe they're trying to help.
  = They may be trying to help.

May not / Might not

To say that something may/might not happen or may/might not be true, put not after may/might. Do not change the word order.

• Maybe they aren't happy.
  = They may not be happy.
• Maybe Ann won't do it.
  = Ann might not do it.
• Maybe it's not snowing.
  = It may not be snowing.

• may/might + base verb
  → a possible situation now or in the future
  He might come.
• may/might + be + verb-ing
  → a possible action happening now
  She may be working.
• may not / might not + verb
  → a possibility that might not happen or be true
  They might not know.