h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Languages change; in a relatively literate time spoken language changes faster than written language. A few hundred years ago, when there was no (or not much) writing for mass consumption people spelled (spelt? ooo 'eck!) things the way they wanted. Most words with variant spellings are in the slow process of changing from one spelling to the other, particularly under the influence of variant US spellings {like program).

Noggin

I'd go along with that. A similar thing is happening with pronunciation - and word use.

One I keep hearing that annoys me is "he was the ex-manager" or equivalent. This seems to be used when the person in questions still is the ex-manager. Surely the only situation in which the above is correct would if somebody help the position of manager, left it and then returned? Oh yes, I remember now, it was the BBC on the news the other night about someone who "was the ex-assistant" when they still are the ex-assistant. Sorry for the repetition but am typing in a hurrry.

"It is alleged that Mr Smith might have carried out the robbery". This one annoys me. In fact, it is alleged that he did carry out the robbery.

Can't imagine it holding up in court:

"Mr Smith, I put it to you that you might have carried out the robbery."
"Yeah, guv, I might."
"Oh."

That's OK, they might have to send Mr Smith to gaol then

Strictly speaking, should it 'might have' or should it be 'may have' ?

Not too sure on that

Might has always been used with the past tense. It seems that, because might and may express differing degrees of probability, the use of may with the past tense is increasing.

In my book (i.e my Collins Gem English Dictionary) under "might" it says "see may".

so i think either is OK!

I think might is the past tense of may. So might is correct for referring to possible things in the past, while may should be used for possible future events.

But there is a lot of regional variation on this one. In Ireland, 'might' is universal for past and future. Very few people use 'may' at all.

March, April, Might, June, July

Could get confusing.



Thanks for the clarification, it's one of those blurrings of meaning through daily use things isn't it? Might does seem to be slightly more non-commital to me. But then, 5 minutes ago I couldn;t think of any difference!

Some years ago I was a software engineer working on an MOD project. As well as all the usual requirements and design documents, we had a 'glossary' document defining what the words 'will', 'shall', 'should' and 'may' meant in the context of requirements. It's the kind of thing that you'd think would be common sense, but it seems that it's essential to define these words for the MOD when it comes to setting out requirements (just so that they know what they will / shall / should / may be getting! )

And the slogan "Might is Right" sounds rather wimpy as "May is Ray"!

Unfortunately, Dragon, the words "will" and "shall" have different meanings in Scotland and Ireland from in England. (I can't speak for Wales).