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May vs. Might 626 Views

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Description:

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Language:

English Language

Subjects:

Grammar & Punctuation / Grammar

Common Core Standards:

Transcript

00:04
May versus Might, a la Shmoop. Paula, the cute girl who sits next to you
00:12
in chemistry class, leans over one morning and asks if you're going to Timmy's birthday
00:16
bash on Friday night.
00:18
You'd like to reply using “may” or “might”...
00:20
...but which word do you choose? Decisions, decisions…

00:24
Believe it or not, there is a subtle difference between “may” and “might”.
00:27
Yes, we know they both start with an “m”. There's still a difference.
00:32
Use “may” when you mean that something is likely to happen.
00:36
If you say you may be at Timmy's party on Friday night...
00:40
...you mean you're probably going to be there.
00:41
By the way, if you keep talking to Paula during class, your chemistry teacher may bean you
00:46
in the head with a dry-erase marker.
00:48
Especially if his name is Mr. White. Use “might” when you mean that something
00:54
isn't likely to happen.
00:56
You might win an all-expenses-paid trip to Cozumel for two...
01:00
...and Paula's parents might consent to letting her go with you. Yeah, keep dreaming.
01:05
And that's the rule on “may” and “might”. “May” means something is likely to happen...
01:09
...and “might” means flowers will bloom in hell first.
01:13
See you there, Mr. White…
Full Transcript