So I have been doing some reading on the terms epistemic and deontic, and I
understand them for the present and future, but for the past tense, I prefer
the following (found on Bartleby.com):
  Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–).  The Columbia Guide to Standard American
English.  1993.   may, might (*auxs.*)      For events in the present or
immediate future, use either *may* or *might* (*I may* [*might*] *decide to
go after all*), but for past time, most Standard users still prefer only *
might,* as in *Yesterday I might have decided to stay home,* not the
increasingly encountered *Yesterday I may have decided to stay
home.*Journalese is now peppered with
*may* where until recently *might* has been solidly entrenched. See also CAN
(1) <http://www.bartleby.com/68/95/1095.html>;
COULD<http://www.bartleby.com/68/27/1527.html>;
SEQUENCE OF TENSES <http://www.bartleby.com/68/97/5397.html>.

Jane Saral

On Feb 16, 2008 12:54 PM, STAHLKE, HERBERT F <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>  Carole,
>
>
>
> That works for me.  I had overlooked the deontic/epistemic contrast in
> modals.  Your epistemic reading fits.
>
>
>
> Herb
>
>
>
> *From:* Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar [mailto:
> [log in to unmask]] *On Behalf Of *Carole Hurlbut
> *Sent:* 2008-02-16 11:24
> *To:* [log in to unmask]
> *Subject:* Re: May and might
>
>
>
> My interpretation deals with the probability involved. *May* would yield a
> stronger probability while *might* would express more doubt.
>
>
>
> Carole Hurlbut
>
>  ----- Original Message -----
>
> *From:* Jane Saral <[log in to unmask]>
>
> *To:* [log in to unmask]
>
> *Sent:* Saturday, February 16, 2008 9:59 AM
>
> *Subject:* May and might
>
>
>
> In this morning's Atlanta Journal Costitution is the following head and
> subhead:
>
>
>
> Study: Slow decisions hurt help for Marines
>
> Tougher truck may have saved troops
>
>
>
> I would say that the word *might* should have been used, since they were
> not saved.  *May* seems to me appropriate only if they were saved and one
> is speculating as to why.
>
>
>
> Is that a correct assumption?  And could someone explain the differences
> between the two forms?
>
>
>
> Jane Saral
>
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