Definition / Explanation
We use may, might, and could to talk about possibility when we are not sure. They all show a lower level of certainty than will, so they are useful when you want to sound careful or less direct. In many everyday situations, the difference between them is small, although might often sounds a little less certain than may. These modals can refer to the present or the future, depending on context. They are common in predictions, guesses, and cautious opinions.
Key Rules
- Use may/might/could + base verb for possible present or future situations.
- These forms do not show strong certainty.
- Use may not or might not for negative possibility.
- Do not use to after these modals.
- In many everyday contexts, may, might, and could can all work.
Examples
- It might rain later.
- She may be busy this afternoon.
- He could arrive after lunch.
- We might not finish on time.
- This answer may be correct.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ It might to rain later. -> ✅ It might rain later.
- ❌ She maybe busy now. -> ✅ She may be busy now.
- ❌ He coulds arrive late. -> ✅ He could arrive late.