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 The past tense of "may"?6 replies Forums · General English Grammar & Vocabulary, Listening & Speaking · General English Grammar Questions 1. I think he may not have noticed me. When one wants to change 1 to the past tense, is it obligatory to change the tense of "may" into "might"? 2. I thought he might not have noticed me. Or should "may" be preserved as such? 3. I thought he may not have noticed me. Which is the sentence to choose? Regular Member556 For many people, both "may have" and "might have" are correct and used for the past. There's more doubt in "might have." Things are a bit complicated and controversial. One of the points of view is here: ------ http://www.orlapubs.com/AL/L39.html potential MAY (HAVE) used for possibilities in non-past time; may have is used for possibility in any past time up till now; e.g. "They may (have) put it there." One cannot say "It may have survived" when it is known that it didn't survive or hasn't survived! --------- conditional-potential MIGHT (HAVE) (past) past-posterior used for doubtful possibilities in past time; e.g. "They might have put it there yesterday"; "They said that it might arrive on time." -------- Veteran Member11,673  Teleostomi1. I think he may not have noticed me."May (not) have" is just fine there. Senior Member3,149 Do you mean that after the verb "thought", which is used in past, it's fine to use "may"? I thought he may not have noticed me? But what about sequence of tenses? Or I don't get something?    Thanks to all concerned for your help! Marius, you inspired me! I have another question related to your post. I hope I'm not bothering you too much, but I'd be very happy if you would take a look at it. | Have a question? People are waiting to help. Interesting stuff |
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