WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE!

Is it possible, or is it not? You may have the answer

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette May or Might Illustration
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette May or Might Illustration

The line between using "may" and "might" in a sentence is blurry and hard to explain. That may be why I keep putting off this topic.

Verbs such as "may" and "might" are described as "modal," which means the action depends on the outcome of some other action. It's not a fact; it's an uncertainty.

The key difference between the two words is that "may" implies something is possible and "might" implies something is less possible.

Do you think it may rain today?

I think it may.

Do you think it might rain?

It might, but I don't see many rain clouds.

If you're describing a situation for which you don't yet know the outcome, either "may" or "might" can be used.

The fire may have started in the den.

This cold medicine might make you feel better.

If you know a situation's outcome, "might" is the better verb.

The icing might not be flowing if someone hadn't left the cake out in the rain.

In a sentence that shows uncertainty, "might" is sometimes preferred over "may" to make it clear that a lack of permission isn't the thing holding back the person.

Jack may not go to the game. (His mom says he can't.)

Jack might not go to the game. (He's not sure yet whether he wants to.)

ADVANCE VS. ADVANCED

Often, one small letter can change a word meaning.

The adjective, or descriptive word, "advance" means something that's done ahead of time.

Advance ticket sales indicated that the play would be well-attended.

The writer had a few advance copies of his newest book.

"Advanced" is also an adjective, but it means something is beyond the basics.

Reggie has advanced computer skills.

I dropped advanced math after I learned I'd have to learn calculus.

Wrong: I made advanced reservations for brunch.

Right: I made advance reservations for brunch.

EVERYDAY VS. EVERY DAY

"Everyday" is a descriptive word that means ordinary or common or nothing special.

This is my everyday watch. On weekends I break out the gold one.

"Every day" means "daily."

I have weekends off, but sometimes I feel like I work every day.

HAPPENING ACCIDENTALLY

Another reader asked about the phrase "on accident." I have always used "by accident." Some theorize that "on accident" is used to parallel "on purpose."

According to the Grammar Girl, Mignon Fogarty, "on accident" is overwhelmingly used by people under 35. "By accident" is used primarily by the older-than-35 crowd.

This is just one example of how language changes over time. So you know what to do if you want people to think you're 33 or so.

Sources: oxforddictionaries.com, Merriam-Webster, Grammar Girl, grammarist.com

Reach Bernadette at

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ActiveStyle on 03/27/2017

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