#english_language 

## Both
- We can use either may or might to say there is a [[Should and ought to#^b80185|possibility]] of something happening or being true:
	> This may/might be his last major speech before the election ^0a2ddc
- we use may not / might not to say that it is possible that something is not true
	> It may not / might not happen for another ten years
- we can use may well, might well or could well to say it is **likely** likely that something will happen:
	> The profits of the company may/might/could well reach $100 million this year.
## May
- We use may in affirmative sentences to talk about a more *general* possibility of something happening in formal contexts:
	> Exceeding the stated dose may cause drowsiness (*from a medicine container*) ^9e23ca
- We don't use may to ask questions about the possibility of something happening. Instead, we use could/couldn't or the [[May,might,can,could alternative|phrase "be likely"]]
	> Could it be that you don't want to leave?

## Might
- in May #2 cases, might is possible in formal contexts:
	> Might they be persuaded to change their minds
- We can use might/could + infiinitive to talk about what was *typically* the case in the past, emphasising *the ability* to do something in the past in the case of could:
	> During the war, the police might arrest you for criticising the king.
	> Years ago children might/could be sent down mines at the age of six.