May, Might and Must

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Last Updated on May 13, 2022

In this post you will learn about May, Might and Must.  It is a quick reference for anyone who wants to learn about these modal auxiliary verbs.  They are also called “Helping Verbs”

Using “May”

We use the auxiliary verb may when we want to express possibility. For example,

  • It may rain tomorrow.

This sentence means that there is a possibility that it will rain tomorrow. We can also use may to ask for permission. For example,

  • May I borrow your pen?

In this sentence, we are asking for permission to borrow the other person’s pen.

Using “Might”

Might is used as a modal auxiliary verb to express possibility, speculation or conjecture. For example:

  • I might go to the party. (I haven’t decided yet.)
  • She might be at home. (I’m not sure.)
  • They might have left already. (It’s possible they’ve left.)
  • He might be able to help us. (It’s possible he can help us.)
  • This might be the right answer. (I’m not sure if this is the right answer.)

Using “Must”

We use the auxiliary verb “must” when we want to express strong ability, obligation, or certainty. For example:

  • I must be at the meeting by 9 a.m.
  • You must finish your homework before you can watch TV.
  • He must be sick; he’s not answering his phone.
  • They must have left already; their car is gone.

We use “must” when we are sure about something. For example:

  • The test is tomorrow; they must be studying now.
  • I’m positive that’s her; she must be here somewhere.
  • If you see Chris, tell him he must call me ASAP.

The difference between “may” and “might”

May and might are both modal auxiliary verbs that express possibility. They can be used interchangeably in many cases, but there are some subtle differences in meaning.

May is considered to be more formal than might. It is also used more often in written English than in spoken English.

Might is often used in situations where the speaker wants to reduce the chance of something happening. For example, if you say “I may go to the party” it sounds like you’re pretty sure you’ll go. But if you say “I might go to the party” it sounds like you’re not sure if you’ll go or not.

May is also used more often when talking about future events than might. Might is more commonly used when talking about present or past events that could have happened but didn’t.

Here are some examples:

  • I may go to the party tonight. (It’s possible that I’ll go, but I’m not sure yet.)
  • I might go to the party tonight. (It’s possible that I’ll go, but I’m not sure yet.)
  • She may be late for the meeting. (It’s possible that she’s late, but we don’t know for sure.)
  • She might be late for the meeting. (It’s possible that she’s late, but we don’t know for sure.)

Example Sentences for May, Might and Must

May

  1. I may be late for our meeting.
  2. She may have left already.
  3. The teacher may not be in his office now.
  4. I may come with my friends.
  5. He may not be able to come.
  6. They may have gone home.
  7. They may not have finished the project yet.
  8. We may not be able to go to the party tonight.
  9. I’m not sure if I can do it, but I may try it anyway.
  10. If you want to, you may come with
  11. They may not be interested in our proposal.
  12. We may have to change our plans.
  13. You may not like what I have to say.
  14. I may not be able to help you.
  15. She may be able to find a better job.
  16. They may not want to sell their house.
  17. We may be able to get a loan.
  18. You may not be able to come with us.

Might

  1. I might go to the store later.
  2. You might want to call ahead before coming over.
  3. We might need to leave early tomorrow morning.
  4. They might be able to help us with our project.
  5. I might not be able to make it to your party.
  6. You might not want to eat that.
  7. We might not be able to finish in time.
  8. They might not be able to come.
  9. I might have to work late tonight.
  10. You might have to go without me.
  11. We might have to wait a little longer.
  12. They might have to leave soon.
  13. I might be able to come early.
  14. You might be able to get there sooner if you hurry.
  15. We might be able to help you with that.
  16. I might go to the store later.
  17. You might want to turn off the light.

Must

  1. I must go now.
  2. You must be tired after your long journey.
  3. We must hurry or we’ll be late for our appointment.
  4. You must be careful not to make too much noise.
  5. I’m afraid you must be mistaken about that.
  6. I’m sorry, but you must leave now.
  7. I’m sure you all understand why we must do this.
  8. You don’t have to come if you don’t want to, but you must let me know in advance.
  9. You mustn’t forget to lock the door when you leave.
  10. I must say I’m rather disappointed in you.
  11. If you want to join the club, you must pay the membership fee.
  12. You mustn’t swim in the river – it’s too dangerous.
  13. You must be at least 18 years old to buy this product.
  14. I’m afraid you must have the wrong number.
  15. You must do as I say!
  16. You’re driving too fast – you must slow down!
  17. We must stop meeting like this.
  18. This report must be ready by tomorrow morning.
  19. I really must be going now – it’s getting late.