Subject plus may or might plus verb, but plus a contrasting clause concedes a fact while asserting it doesn’t change the overall conclusion, as in he may be rich, but he’s unhappy. A more literary structure fronts the modal, as in try as he might, he couldn’t open the jar, but this inversion only works with might, never may.
Grammar Rule
The pattern subject plus may/might plus verb, but plus contrasting clause concedes a fact while asserting it doesn’t change the overall conclusion. A related, more literary structure fronts the modal before the subject: try as plus subject plus might, meaning no matter how hard the subject tried. This inversion only works with might, never may, and only with the verb try.
May and Might in Concession and Contrast: Rules and Examples
| Pattern | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| May/might + verb, but… | concede a point before a stronger contrast | He may be rich, but he’s unhappy. |
| Try as + subject + might | no matter how hard the subject tried (might only) | Try as he might, he couldn’t open the jar. |
Remember: The inverted idiom only works with might and only with the verb try — never may.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using may or might correctly for concession and contrast. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-36 May and Might in Concession and Contrast
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does may/might plus verb, but… express?
Conceding a fact before a stronger contrast, as in he may be rich, but he’s unhappy.
What does try as plus subject plus might mean?
No matter how hard the subject tried, as in try as he might, he couldn’t open the jar.
Does the try as inversion work with may?
No, this inversion only works with might, never may.
Does the try as inversion work with verbs other than try?
No, it only works with the verb try.