may/might

Spanish_Ralph   Thu Aug 14, 2008 3:13 am GMT
Why can "might" be used within a future statement if it stands for the past tense conjugation of "may". For instance,

"trolls might invade the question"...

That phrase was passed to me by a native English speaker.

While doing a search, I came across a website which stated both words can be perfectly used in a future statement depending on the confidence of a particular event to happen. For instance:

"you might fall off the tree" - not 100% confident the subject will fall off the tree

"you may fall off the tree" - 100% confident the subject will fall off the tree.

Thanks in advance,

Ralph (Spanish)
Guest   Thu Aug 14, 2008 5:23 pm GMT
They are interchangable. However, "may" can also mean "are permitted".
guest   Thu Aug 14, 2008 6:40 pm GMT
because "might" is subjuntive in "You might fall off a tree"

it's like using "could" (also a past tense in the indicative) with a subjuntive mood, as in "You could fall off a tree"

next fraign (question) please