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We have already seen that
the modal auxiliary might
is used
to
show possibility
in present or
future time. Two other uses
are in asking very
politely for permission and in making very
polite requests. (In both of these uses, may
is also possible,
but might is "softer," more formal, more deferential, and
less direct than may.)
Examples:
Might I help you?
(The meaning is the same as
"May I help you?," but "softer,"
more formal, and less direct.)
Might we leave the room, sir?
(Again, the meaning is the
same as "May we leave the room?,"
but
the use of might makes this request less direct, more
formal,
and more deferential.)
Might I have a little more of that delicious cake, Mrs.
Chávez?
(The speaker is using very
polite language in his/her request.)
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Special
Notes:
| 1. |
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This use of might is
not past.
When someone uses might to ask for permission or
make a request,
the time is present or future,
not past:
Might I have some more cake?
(The request is to do something
now (have more cake),
not something in the past.)
Might we leave the room?
(The request is to do something
now (leave the room),
not something in the past.)
Might I help you?
(The request is to do something
now (help someone),
not something in the past.)
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| 2. |
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Might
is used in asking permission and making
requests
only in very formal situations--situations
in
which the speaker is using his or her most polite
language.
If might is used to ask permission or
make requests in situations which are "average"
and not highly formal, might
will probably be
considered too polite. |
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