Lucky Dip

Useful information No. 11 - Might or may?

She might visit me tomorrow.

She might, or she might not.  There is an element of doubt here.

She may visit me tomorrow.

She wants to see me?  Then let her call to see me tomorrow.  The mood is quite different here: it’s to do with allowing something; it’s to do with permission.

But hang on a sec: She may visit me tomorrow could easily be taken to mean She might visit me tomorrow.  Which is correct?

It’s always correct to use might to express uncertainty and may to express permission.  May is often used when might would be more effective in conveying the intended meaning.  Sometimes, using may leaves the reader or listener confused.  How would you interpret this information?

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