When do we use the word may and might

Modal verbs may and might in English

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May and might are modal verbs that have many interesting qualities. In some cases, they can replace each other, in others — act as a form of the present and past tense, in the third — have completely different meanings. May and might sometimes cause difficulties for English learners, so in this article we will talk about the difference between them and analyze in detail the cases of their use.

Features of the modal verbs may and might

To begin with, we propose to understand how sentences with may and might are built, because such sentences have several distinctive features.

In affirmative sentences, after may and might, we use the infinitive without the to. In questions, may and might must be placed before the subject. In negative sentences, we add the particle not to may / might. May / might are most often translated into Russian by the words “could”, “could”.

I might go. — I AM could go.

May she enter the room? — She can enter the room?

I may not come. — I AM I can not come.

Pay attention to one peculiarity: negation may not have an abbreviated form.

We mayn’t may not be at home today. — US may not be today at home.

Denial might not be shortened — mightn’t, however, this form is rare.

It might rain today mightn’t it? — It may rain today is not it?

Let’s consider other features of the modal may and might:

1. Might is the past tense of may, but might is also used as a modal verb in its own right.
2. May and might have common functions and have private ones: in some cases we can use only may, in others — only might.
3. With may and might, we can use the usual infinitive (may / might do), long (may / might be doing) and perfect (may / might have done). The usual infinitive (may / might do) indicates action in the present or future, long-term — for long-term action in the present or future, perfect — for action in the past.

Also, different functions may have their own peculiarities of using infinitives. We will talk about them further.

Well, now let’s see how may and might are used in speech.

When we use the modal verbs may and might

To begin with, we’ll look at cases where both may and might can be used. Here they are:

Source: https://engblog.ru/modal-verb-may

Modal verbs Can, Must, May — usage, examples, exercises

Modality is a very important grammatical category that determines the speaker’s attitude to action. We can trace the meaning of this by using the modal verbs may can must in sentences. You will see that these verbs perform the same function, but carry different meanings.

With this verb, the speaker communicates his own skill or ability to do something, and also expresses an opinion about the abilities of other people as an outside observer.

Jane can speak Chinese well. Jane can speak Chinese well.

In the past tense, the verb can takes the form could.

I could read comics when I was four years old. I could read comics when I was four years old.

Also, this form is used in polite questions:

Could you show me the way to the river, please? Could you show me the way to the river?

You can often find this word in the subjunctive mood.

If Jane were (was) rich, she could visit the most expensive beauty salons. If Jane was rich, she could visit the most expensive beauty salons.

In the future tense, the verb can is not used, but you can get out of the situation by using the construction to be able to:

I will be able to send you some candies. I will have the opportunity to send you some sweets.

Such a replacement can be carried out at all times, but there will be little semantic difference (to be able to do something).

Modal verb must

This is the strictest modal must verb, with the help of which the speaker indicates that an action must be performed without fail.

Shannon must get visa to visit her friends in Russia. To visit friends in Russia, Shannon needs a visa.

The modal verb must is used exclusively in the present tense, and therefore, in order to compose a sentence in the past and future tense, you need to find a replacement for it. The most commonly used modal verb (especially in American English) is have to.

Shannon will have to get visa. Shannon will need a visa.

Shannon had to get visa. Shannon needed a visa.

As a substitute for the verb must in all tenses, the expression to be obliged to can also be used:

If you choose a doctor’s career, you will be obliged to be loyal to the Hippocratic Oath. If you choose the profession of a doctor, you will have to keep the Hippocratic Oath.

Modal verb may

When a speaker announces the likelihood of an event or asks permission to do something, he uses the modal verb may:

It may rain on Thursday. Rain is possible on Thursday.

Mom, may I take another portion of ice cream? Mom, can I get another ice cream?

The verb may take the past tense form might:

Mom said that I might eat one more portion of ice cream. Mom said I could have another ice cream.

In modern English, might can also be used in the present tense. Moreover, using this verb, when someone talks about the likelihood of an event, he expresses a fairly large degree of uncertainty about it.

It might get a bit warmer tomorrow. Tomorrow may or may not be warmer.

Perfect Infinitive

All of the above verbs can be used with other types of infinitives, of which there are six in English. The most commonly used of these is the perfect infinitive. Pay attention to the peculiarities of the translation of such constructions.

John could have chosen a better suite. John could have chosen a better suit.

Mike must have repaired his bike. Mike must have repaired his motorcycle.

You might have helped your sister to do her homework. You could also help your sister do her homework.

May can must modal verb exercises

When performing exercises for these verbs, you must remember the following rules:

• In most cases, the modal verb is followed by an infinitive (except for short answers: Yes, I must.No, I couldn’t, etc.)
• All these verbs in interrogative sentences and in phrases with negation perform the function of auxiliary verbs: Must I get visa? I couldn’t play the violin.
• Replacing one modal verb with another radically changes the meaning of the statement.

To begin with, we suggest inserting suitable modal verbs into sentences with gaps:

You immediately stop, when the traffic light is red. You stop immediately when there is a red light at the traffic light.

The weather be dangerous for boating. The weather can be dangerous for boating.

Source: https://lim-english.com/pravila-anglijskogo-yazyka/modalnie-glagoli-can-must-may/

Using the modal verbs Can (Could) and May (Might), be able to

What is a modal verb ?!
Modal verbs in English differ from other verbs in that they are not used independently and do not indicate a specific action or
states, they reflect his modality, that is, the attitude of the speaker towards him. Together, the modal verb and the infinitive of the significant verb form a composite modal predicate.

I can swim. I can swim.

The speaker can assess the action as possible, necessary, permitted, requested, prohibited, ordered, unlikely, very likely, etc.

Can or May?

The use of the verbs can and may in modern English is often difficult. Once upon the strict rules of English grammar
can expressed physical or mental capacity,
may — permission and approval… It was considered wrong to use can in the resolution value.

Today, the rules of the language are not so definite. Already from the second half of the 19th century
can used in informal speech to express permission. V
formal and formal communication situations, the verb should be used may to request permission.

For example, in a conversation with a restaurant waiter, it will sound more profitable

May I have more salt, please?

As for prohibition / denial, then the use mayn’t extremely NOT recommended. This applies to all styles.

The use of may in such cases, although formal and permissible, sounds unnatural. Educated people would rather say
«Can’t I?», Not «Mayn’t I?» or «May I not?» And even according to the strict rules of English grammar, the question «Why mayn’t I go to the disco?» sounds
incorrect, one can say “not
in English».

CAN is used:

1. When expressing abilities or capabilities
do anything. (Indefinite Infinitive)

I can swim. You can play. / I can swim. You can play.

2. In the case of denial of opportunity or ability to do anything.

I cannot swim. He cannot see / I cannot swim. He cannot see.

3. When the possibility is denied that the action could
come true in reality. (Perfect Infinitive)

You cannot have done it. / It cannot be that you did it.

COULD is used:

1. When expression capabilities or abilities
taking any action in the past… (Indefinite Infinitive)

They could swim. / They couldn’t swim.

2. When expression denial of opportunity or ability
taking any action in the past.

She couldn’t swim. / She couldn’t swim.

3. When consumed indirect speechdepending from the verb in the past tense… (Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive)

I said that you couldn’t have done that. / I said you couldn’t do it.

4. In the main part of conditional sentences.

In conditional sentences of the second type and the third type (Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive).

If he tried, he could do it. / If he tried, he could do it.

If he had tried, he could have done it. / If he tried, he could do it.

MAY is used:

1. To express permission for any action (Indefinite Infinitive)

You may go home now. / Now you can go home.

2. To express an assumption: related to the present and the future (Indefinite Infinitive) or to the past (Perfect Infinitive)

It may rain today. / It may rain today.

She may have returned to Moscow. / She may have returned to Moscow.

MIGHT is used:

1. When using indirect speech, depending on the verb in the past tense.

for expressing permission (Indefinite Infinitive) or expressing an assumption (Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive)

She said that he might take her cellphone. / She said he could take her phone.

He said that she might know their address. / He said that she might know their address.

2. In the main part of conditional sentences: in conditional sentences of the second (Indefinite Infinitive) and third type (Perfect Infinitive)

If you tried, you might get her phone number. / If you tried, you could get hold of this book.

If he had been here, he might have helped us. / If he was here, he could help us.

Use of turnover to BE ABLE TO

As you probably already noticed when considering the verb can, he has only two forms, these are — can and could, i.e. when expressed in the present or past tense. But how to betray the meaning of this modal verb in other tenses
forms? For this, it has a synonym expressed by the combination «To be able to»… This turnover, like the verb can, denotes ability, skill.

I can swim = I am able to swim — I can swim.

BUT it wouldn’t be that simple! When using this turnover, it is necessary
take into account the difference between the modal verb can and the expression itself
to be able to.

The fact is that if we use to be able to in the present or past tense as a direct replacement for can or could, then the very meaning of the whole sentence changes! In such a case, the combination shows that the person may or may not do something in a particular case under consideration, at a particular point in time. Let’s try to figure it out with an example, say, with the same swim verb. Let’s say I can swim. And this morning, going down the stairs, I twisted my leg, and therefore today, I cannot swim. But from the fact that I twisted my leg, my ability to swim, in general, did not go anywhere.

I can swim. But I’m not able to swim today. / I can swim. But today I am unable to swim.

What about other temporary forms? For example, how will we do something in the future.

I will be able to go to you tomorrow. / I can visit you tomorrow.

To give negation, the particle is used Note
by joining.

I am not able to I will not (won’t) be able to I was not (wasn’t) able to etc.

It must be remembered

— With all personal pronouns, the modal verb does not change.

I, WE, YOU, THEY, HE, SHE, IT — can (cannot / can’t), could (couldn’t) — the verb «abilities» (do, play, see, come ..)

— Between the modal verb and the verb «ability»
noTO!

Statement of a question

In an interrogative sentence, the first place is
1. An interrogative word, followed by 2. A modal verb, then 3. Acting person and finally 4. An action verb.

(1) When (2) can (3) you (4) get home? / When can you come home?

Will you be able to give me your book? — Can you give me your book? (As you can see, in the case of be able to, the question remains the same as with a regular verb.)

Source: https://engrammar.ru/grammar/upotreblenie-modalnyx-glagolov-can-could-i-may-might-be-able-to/

Modal verb may: usage rules and exceptions

We continue to master the category of modality in English. As already noted, these grammatical forms help convey probability, prohibition, permission, desire, etc.

Today, the modal verb may, which is responsible for expressing an opportunity or a request, will fall into our field of vision. Along with can, this word is the most used in English to denote modality.

Consider how these structures are composed, how their meanings are expressed, and in what situations they should be used.

Construction of predicates

May is a very original design, which not only has several meanings, but also can, under certain conditions, be divided into two (separate from each other!) Forms. Often in textbooks there is even a generalized name “modal verbs may and might»… Later we will find out why such a transformation occurs, and now we will study grammatical construction.

To compose a statement, it is enough to take a simple infinitive, having previously separated the particle to from it.

• Granny may call today — Grandma can call today.

The type of predicate will be unchanged in all faces of pronouns and nouns. To pose the question, may rearranges to the beginning of the phrase, and to create negation, it appends not. It is important to remember that this verb has no contractions.

• May she visit us today? — Can she visit us today?
• I may Note finish the work in time — I may not finish this work on time.

According to the rules of English grammar, the modal verb may can only be used with aspects of the present tense, and in the constructions there are infinitives of the continued, perfect simple and extended tense. To express future events, it is necessary to replace may with the stable combination to be allowed to.

• She will be allowed to come — She can come.

When denoting past events, this verb takes the form might, and all the same rules listed above are valid for it. The only difference is that it mightn’t have a contraction, but it is used very rarely in speech.

• He might go to the gym — He could go to the gym.
• Might they say about it? — Could they tell about it?
• We maybe not go to the shop — We couldn’t go to the store.

We have already noted that the modal verb might in modern English can function as an independent unit of speech. Let’s take a closer look at this grammatical point.

What is the modal verb may used for, and what might be used for?

This question is asked by most beginners, because it is difficult to catch all the differences in shades of meanings and grammatical norms on the fly. The situation is further complicated by the fact that in many situations the modal verbs of the forms may and might are used on equal terms, i.e. practically can be replaced. For ease of understanding, we will divide all use cases into separate categories.

Interchangeability of may and might

The main purpose of these verbs is to convey probability. Both forms are used, but constructs with may express a greater degree of confidence in the execution of events. Probability is expressed in various infinitives.

• the tree may case if a strong wind blows — This tree can fall if a strong wind blows. (fact of the present)
• She might Note Have Been at the party — She probably wasn’t at this party. (speculation about the past)
• We may be watching the movie at this time — We can watch a movie at this time. (intention for the future)

Both words convey a request, but more and more often the English use can in this sense. Expressions with the verb may are more formal, distant, and the modal might denotes an extremely respectful appeal to the interlocutor.

• Might I offer you coffee or tea, Madam? — May I offer you coffee or tea, madam?
• Mr. brown, may we make the report tomorrow? — Mr. Brown, can we do this report tomorrow?

Both forms are also acceptable for use in combination with as well, but the word might is more commonly used. The complete construction has the meaning of hopelessness or indifference, denoted by the Russian expressions «can and», «what else, except how».

• I’ve lost my keys. I might as well wait for return of my parents — I lost my keys. What can I do other than wait for my parents to return.
• When you want to do it? We don’t know. We might as well… — When do you want to do it? We don’t know. We can do it now.

And the last stable expression in which each of these words is applied: may (might) notbut — this could not have happened if it had not been (if not) ..

• This woman may (might) not have become a famous actress, but she was very persevering — This woman might not have become a famous actress, if she had not been very persistent.

May exclusively

Only may is always used to express whether an action is allowed or not. Accordingly, when allowed, the simple form is applied, and when prohibited, negative.

• you may leave work early today — You can leave work early today.
• They may Note take part in this contest — They are not allowed to participate in this contest.

It should be noted that such phrases sound very formal and are used mainly in business communication, or in conversation with unfamiliar people. More often, the modal verb must not is used as a prohibition.

With may, you can express confidence in performing an action by adding the adverb well to the verb. The result will be a combination of the plan «for sure», «most likely», «probably».

• you may well find this book at the “Palace of books” shop — You will probably find this book in the “Palace of books” store.

Very often the verb may in English is used to express wishes in someone’s address. At the same time, the syntactic structure of the sentence changes, since may moves to the beginning of the phrase.

• May your album bring your band the world fame! — Let your album bring worldwide fame to your group!

Exceptionally might

This form allows you to give the interlocutor a polite and careful recommendation, proposal, advice. At the same time, one of the words want, prefer, is adjacent to the modal verb.

• you might want to stay in a luxury apartment — You probably want to stay in a luxury apartment.

The second situation, requiring the use of might, is the expression of impossible events, or rather actions that can occur, but certain circumstances prevent this.

• He might go to the cinema tonight, but he has no money — He could go to the cinema tonight, but he has no money.

And one more case when the modal verb might can be used in English, which is somewhat similar to the previous one. The combination might + have + participle II — means criticism of the development of events, regret about not performing actions.

• He might Have bought this dress for me! — He could buy this dress for me!

The last point that should be noted: when transmitting indirect speech and to coordinate tenses, the verb may is always replaced by might.

• They said, “You may call us at any time ”- They said that we might call them at any time.

They said, «You can call us anytime.» — They said that we can call them any time.

Source: https://speakenglishwell.ru/modalnyj-glagol-may-formy-i-situatsii-upotrebleniya/

Modal verb MAY / MIGHT — all meanings!

Let’s continue the topic of modal verbs. Today I’m going to talk about the modal verb may. In use, this verb is very similar to can. And in order to speak English correctly, it is very important to understand the difference between the two verbs.

Modal verb may translated into Russian as I can, maybe you can… The main meaning of this verb is to express the ability to perform an action when this opportunity is associated:

• or with the absence of obstacles to the performance of the specified action;
• or with someone’s permission to perform the specified action.

Like most modal verbs, may is paired with a semantic verb that:

• taken in indefinite form infinitive
• placed immediately after the verb may, without the particle to.

Examples of sentences with the verb may / might:

He may spend his money.
He can spend his money.

you may ask your questions.
You can ask your questions.

Might I call you at night?
Can I call you at night?

Differences between modal verbs may and can

If you look in the dictionary, then the verbs may and can have the same translation — «I can». But in Russian, «I can» is a very polysemantic word:

• “I can” means I have the physical ability to perform an action. When I can do something.
• “I can” means I have the mental ability to perform an action. When I am able to do something.
• “I can” means I have no obstacles to performing actions.
• I can — means I have permission from someone to perform an action.

It is with this ambiguity that there is a subtle difference in the meanings of the verbs may and can.

The verb can is used when we are talking about the physical or mental ability to do something.

And the modal verb may is used when we say that there are no external obstacles to performing an action or there is permission to perform an action.

English Modal Verbs: Getting Started and Learning to Use

In English there is a whole category of words that can be safely called special, different from other groups of vocabulary. These words are modal verbs: Can, Could, Must, May, Might, Should, Need, Have to. Although they are not used as independent lexical units, since they only express the need, ability or possibility of performing an action, their role in the language is incredibly great. What are these words and when are they used?

Dog

Can is considered to be the most common word in the modal group. Thanks to him, we can communicate that we can / can do something or are capable of something.

Can is used to mean:

• an intellectual or physical real ability to do something;
• requests, permission, prohibition;
• doubt, distrust, surprise.

But it must be remembered that the modal verb can itself does not mean an action, therefore, it must be followed by another verb that directly indicates the execution of the process. This rule applies to all other words discussed below.

Mold

The modal verb could has the same meaning as Can, but with an important difference: it indicates the likelihood or possibility of an action in the past. Could does not denote any specific abilities / capabilities — only general ones.

It is worth paying special attention to this fact — knowing the nuances of using Could will help you, in practice, to competently build your speech in the context of a particular situation.

Also, to develop your speaking skills, we advise you to read the article «How to learn to speak English well.»

Must

Like it if you liked the article!

The modal verb must denotes a must, namely:

• duty or some kind of duty due to personal beliefs, principles, traditions;
• advice, recommendation or order;
• the likelihood / assumption of the action.

Must is used not only in the present tense, but also in the future. It is important to remember that in all cases its shape does not change.

May

The modal verb may indicates the possibility of performing an action or the assumption of such a possibility. In general, it is translated as you can / can / can and so on. May is used when you need to express:

• the objective possibility of performing an action, which nothing and no one interferes with;
• formal request or permission;
• supposition caused by doubt.

Might

Might is the past tense form of May. Also used to indicate the possibility / request / suggestion of an action. One of the special meanings of the word Might is an expression of mild condemnation or disapproval. Interestingly, although the modal verb might is considered a form of the past tense, it is used to indicate the execution of a process both in the present and in the future.

Should

The modal verb should is similar in meaning to Must, but not so strict. Thus, Should is used when the task is to express a duty or duty, stylistically weakened to recommendation or advice. Should also be used to denote reproach or regret due to the fact that the desired action was not previously performed or can no longer be carried out.

Need

The modal verb need should be used to express a need or an urgent need to take an action. Accordingly, if Need is present in a negative construction, it denotes the absence of the need / permission to do something. Also, Need is found in interrogative constructions — here it indicates doubts about the advisability of performing the process under consideration.

Have to

a distinctive feature of Have to is that it denotes the obligation to perform actions due to specific circumstances. Based on this, it is recommended to use the modal verb have to only when it is necessary to indicate the compulsion of actions due to the current situation, and not personal desires. Have to can be used in all times, but each has its own form: the present — Have to or Has to, the past — Had to, the future — Will have to.

Without a doubt, without modal verbs, it is impossible to build a competent and stylistically neat speech. Therefore, when choosing the methods of learning English that can be found in this article, be sure to include the study of this vocabulary category in the chosen methodology. Moreover, now you have a useful theoretical base that will help you successfully cope with the task at hand.

Source: http://engmatrix.com/staty/modalnye-glagoly-v-anglijskom-jazyke-have-to-can-may-could.php

Modal verbs may and might: many meanings, one shade

Like all modal verbs, may and might not so much carry a certain meaning in the statement, but reflect the speaker’s attitude to what is happening. These verbs, in fact, express the likelihood of something to one degree or another. So, may is a high degree of confidence, and might, accordingly, is less. But it is wrong to think that this is what the semantics of verbs is limited to.

Such an explanation can only satisfy a primary school student. English, due to its historical development and the logic of the language as such, is distinguished by a huge number of shades of word meanings. Depending on the context and what probability of the event is laid by the speaker, the corresponding modal verb will be used.

In Russian, we get by with one word — «may», and the degree of probability is determined by the context.

This is a very short introduction to the logic of the modal verbs may and might. Let’s consider these points in more detail.

Equivalents for resolution

May and might have an equivalent, and more than one, for example, to be allowed to and permitted to. Note that they can be used only when may and might in their meaning do not mean probability, but permission for something. For example, the sentence “I can go to the forest on my own” can be translated in several ways:

• I may go to the forest alone;
• I might go to the forest alone;
• I am allowed to go to the forest alone;
• I am permitted to go to the forest alone.

In all four cases, the sentences state that. That the speaker can do something. But in the second, where might was used, the speaker expresses a faint confidence in this.

The verb may: permission and opportunity

The first and most common meaning that may occurs in is permission. The speaker can either ask for permission or allow using this verb. For example:

• You may go to the disco, I don’t see anything bad in your having fun this way once or twice — You can go to the disco, I don’t see anything wrong with the fact that you just once or twice so relax.
• Sorry, sir, may I come in? I know that the meeting has already started but I couldn’t come earlier — Sorry sir, can I come in? I know the meeting has already begun, but I cannot come earlier.

However, in denials, namely, in denials in response to a request, may is never used. Instead, can is put. For example:

• Mom, may I go out with Gim? He is so sweet — No you can’t, you have to study so much to enter the university you wish — Mom, can I go for a walk with Jim? He’s so cute. — No. You have to learn a lot to go to the university you want.

There is another option with which you can express a ban. For example, the form mustn’t. It is used then. When we mean a tough prohibition dictated by certain circumstances. For example:

• May I scramble these eggs? — No you mustn’t, they are too old and spoiled. Find something else to have a snack. — Can I make scrambled eggs from these eggs? — No. They are old and already rotten. Find something else to eat.

Also, the verb may denotes a possibility and a probability, which is not hindered by anything. In other words, this is an opportunity, also associated with a favorable coincidence. For example:

• You may go and see these animals in the zoo, they live pretty good there — You can go and watch these animals in the zoo. They do well in captivity.
• This restaurant is very famous. You may try all the traditional dishes there by good price — This restaurant is very famous. Here you can taste all national dishes at a good price.

Using might in different communication situations

One of the most interesting uses of might is in the meaning of reproach. The auxiliary verb have is often used here to indicate that the situation in question happened in the past. If the speaker reproaches for a relatively recent event or something that happens immediately at the moment of speech, might is used without an auxiliary verb. For example:

• You might have been more careful. Look what happened with your T-shirt! It is spoiled to hell! — You could be more careful. Look what happened to your shirt. She’s completely flawed.

Source: https://1hello.ru/grammatika/modalnye-glagoly-may-i-might-znachenij-mnogo-ottenok-odin.html

Modal verbs must, may, might, can, could, should

In the previous lessons, we discussed the rules for using the modal verb can. It’s time to get acquainted with the rest, no less important verbs. All modal verbs express possibility to a certain extent.
Let’s start.

Modal verbs for expressing a possibility with Russian transcription:

Must [mast]
May [May]
Might [myt]
Dog [ken]
Mold [kud]
Should [shud]

Modal verbs are a group of verbs that have specific relationships. Remember that they always appear before the main verb and have the same form. They pose questions by inversion and negation by paraphrasing not. In order to quickly master their widespread use, it is worth dividing them into the following categories:

Expressing capabilities and skills

CAN:

Expresses the ability to perform an action in present tense: Driving fast can be really dangerous.

Drive fast ken bi rieli danjres.

Defines skills and abilities: I can paint very well. I can paint very well.

I can paint veri well.

Often combined with verbs related to feelings: feel, hear, see, understand, remember, smell: I can smell it.

Ai ken small it.

Could — past tense form of the verb can: I could dance when I was younger.

Ay cool dance one ay was younger.

BE ABLE TO:

Expresses the ability and ability to perform an activity, often focusing on a specific situation that was difficult: The book was high but I was able to reach the shelf. The book was high, but I managed to get it.

The Book Was High Bat Ai Was Abl To Rich The Shelf.

Most often, be able to is used after other modal verbs in the perfect or future tense: We will be able to finish the project today. We can finish this project today.

Wee will b able that finish is the project that day.

After the infinitive and the gerund form.

It is lovely to be able to talk to you about everything.

IT IS LOVE TO BE ABOUT THAT SANCTION TO THOU ABOUT Eurysin.

Assumptions and probabilities

COULD, MAY, MIGHT.

These modal verbs determine the likelihood that an action will occur in the present or in the future:

John could be at work now.

John kood bi this orc naw.

MUST.

If we are confident that a situation or event will occur:

They exercised all day. They must be tired. They trained all day. They must be tired.

Zay Exsized All Day. Zay must be bi tyred.

CAN’T.

If the situation is not possible and we express this belief, we use the modal verb «can’t»:

Source: https://www.angloport.ru/anglijskaya-grammatika/986-must-may-might-can-could-should.html

The modal verb may (might) — when to use it!

The modal verb may (might) is used to express permission, prohibition, opportunity, uncertainty, reproach, wishes and is translated as “possible”, “you can”, “you can”, “maybe”, “let”.

First, let’s look at how sentences with may and might are built, because such sentences have several distinctive features.

Affirmative form

In affirmative sentences after may и might we use the infinitive without a particle to.

• I might — I could go.

Interrogative form

In questions, may and might must be placed before the subject.

• May she enter the room? — Can she enter the room?

An interrogative sentence with may expresses the speaker’s request. Question words are not used in such questions. The modal verb might in a request sounds emphatically polite and is practically not used in modern language.

• May I take that book? — May I take that book?
• May we play in your garden? — Can we play in your garden?
• May he stay with us? — Can he stay with us?
• Might I ask you for some help? — May I ask you for help?

In case of a negative answer to the request, instead of may not, the expressions must not и don’t.

negative form

In negative sentences, we add a particle to may / might Note.

• I may not — I may not come.

Note! Have denial may not there is no shorthand form.

Negation maybe not can shorten — mightn’t, however, this form is rare.

• We may not be at home today. “We may not be at home today.
• It might rain today, mightn’t it? “It might rain today, right?

May / might are most often translated into Russian by the words “could”, “could”.

To communicate beautifully and clearly in English, it is necessary to consider in detail all the cases and rules of using the modal verb «may».

Source: https://englandlearn.com/grammatika/may-i-might

Modal Verb May / Might in English — Detailed Guide with Examples

Modal verbmay (might) used primarily to express permission or capability. Like can, it has a present tense may and the form of the past tense might… Let’s consider the main meanings and features of this common verb.

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Table: modal verb May / Might in affirmative, negative, interrogative form

Verb may (might), like other modal verbs, is used according to special rules:

1. In the affirmative and negative between may (might) and the verb in an indefinite form does not put the particle to.

Correctly: You may go. — You can go.

Wrong: You may go.

2. The verb may does not form the future tense with the auxiliary verb will. In the future tense, the verb may can be replaced by a turnover to be allowed to (to be permitted, permitted).

Correctly: You will be allowed to leave. — You can go.

Wrong: You will may leave.

3. In the third person singular, the verb may (might) does not change.

Correctly: He / She / It may.

Wrong: He / She / It mays.

4. The question and the statement are built according to a special scheme (see table).

scheme	Example
Statement	Subject + may / might + verb	I may / might ask.
Denial	Subject + may not / might not + verb	I may not / might not ask.
Question	may / might + subject + verb	May / might I ask?

May not и maybe not can be shortened to mayn’t, mightn’t.

Meanings of the modal verb May / Might

General summary of values may / might shown in the image. Read more below.

Modal verb may (might) used by:

1. To express permission or prohibition

In affirmation, denial and questioning, the meaning will be different.

1. 1. In the statement

In the affirmative form, the verb may expresses permission.

you may take what you want. — You you can take whatever you want.

We may spend our money. — We we can spend our money.

Strictly speaking, the verb may, unlike the verb can, denotes exactly permission to perform some action, and not a physical possibility. In Russian, both words are usually translated as “can”, “you can”, etc.

I can eat four slices of pizza. — I AM I can eat 4 slices of pizza (physically I can).

you may eat whatever you want. — You can have whatever you want (you are allowed to).

However, in modern colloquial speech, the verb can also often used to resolve:

you can eat whatever you want. — You can have whatever you want (you are allowed to).

1. 2. In the question

В interrogative form verb may used to ask permission.

May I ask you a question? — One can ask you a question?

May I take your phone for a second? — One can take your phone for a second?

The same question can be asked with mightbut this will be a very formal question:

Might I call you by your first name? — Can do i call you by name?

In colloquial speech, you will most likely never hear it.

As with the affirmation, in questions like «May I?» in modern colloquial speech, the verb is often used can.

Dog I ask you a question? — One can ask you a question?

Dog I take your phone for a second? — One can take your phone for a second?

Option c may is considered more formal, suitable for a formal occasion, and the question with can — less strict. Often this difference is almost indistinguishable and subtle, even by native speakers. And here is option c might — this is definitely a formal, even old-fashioned option.

Three ways to ask permission.

1. 3. In denial

Negative verb may expresses a prohibition.

you may not park in a fire lane. — To you must not park on the fire lane.

But in colloquial speech they often say can’t, implying not a physical possibility, but a prohibition.

you can’t sleep on a bench. — Must not sleep on the bench.

For a categorical prohibition, use must not (mustn’t):

you must not smoke in this building. — Never smoke in this building.

Note 1: May or Can?

In affirmation, question and denial can colloquially can replace may in the meaning of permission or denial, but may cannot replace can in the meaning of physical ability or lack thereof. For example, you want to say that an athlete can, physically, lift 100 kg.

Correctly: The athlete can lift 100 kg. — Athlete can lift 100 kg (physically capable).

Wrong: The athlete may lift 100 kg. — Athlete can lift 100 kg (someone allowed him).

You want to tell your friend that he cannot drink 10 bottles of beer, physically he cannot:

Correctly: you can’t

Source: https://langformula.ru/english-grammar/may-might/

What is the difference between may and might?

May и might belong to the group of modal verbs. Both words denote the possibility of something. Usually they can easily replace each other without changing the translation of the sentence, however might often implies that something is less likely to happen.

Compare:

It may rain… (probability — 50%)
It might rain… (probability — 30%)

Despite the fact that as a translation of the modal verbs may and might the dictionary contains the words “to be able”, “to be able”, “to be probable”, in the context these words can be translated as “possible”, “probably”, etc.

Some insist that may should be used in the present tense when talking about current events, and might in the past tense when talking about events in the past. For example:

She may go home early, if she’s tired. (present)
I might have visited Russia before settling in Minsk. (past
time)

In practice, these distinctions are made very rarely, so these two verbs are interchangeable.

She might go home early, if she’s tired.
I may have visited Russia before settling in Minsk.

However, there are differences between the expressions may have and might have in a particular context. If how things really are is not known at the time of speech (or when writing), then both options are acceptable:

By the time he reads this, they may have (might have) made his decision.

If we are talking about the fact that something has already happened, and we know the result, then it is better to use migh have:

The draw against Italy might have been a turning point, but it didn’t turn out that.

Probability Expression (in the future)

If there is a possibility that something will happen or something is true, then we use might or may.

Comment: might used more often in colloquial speech than may.

It might rain tomorrow. Perhaps it will rain tomorrow.

They might go to the restaurant tonight.

Perhaps tomorrow night they will go to a restaurant. (but they’re not sure yet)

I think you may win.

I think you can (possibly) win.

You may be late for dinner. Hurry up!

You might be late for dinner. Hurry up!

Ask for permission or allow something

Generally in colloquial speech, to ask permission is usually used can… but may should be used in more formal situations when you want to show yourself to be a polite person.

May I come in? — May I come in? (Can I come in?)

Note: Might can also be used when making requests, but this word is not so common. You could even say it sounds pretty old-fashioned these days.

Now let us do something with the verb may:

You may take only one book with you. — You can only take one book with you.

To, on the contrary, prohibit something, we add to may particle Note:

You may not take more than one book with you. — You cannot take more than one book with you.

Typical situations (may)

May is used in academic (scientific) language to describe the phenomena that occur in specific situations:

Adults may find it difficult to sleep if they use technology before going to bed. — Adults may have difficulty falling asleep if they use technology before bed.

Assumptions about events (actions) in the past

What was that noise? It may have been a dog outside our window. — What was that noise? Perhaps it was a dog barking outside our window.

Might — past tense from may in indirect speech

When translating direct speech in English into indirect speech, the modal verb may turns into might:

Source: https://english-bird.ru/modalnye-glagoly-may-i-might-znachenie-i-upotreblenie/

Modal verb may: forms and situations of use

Home »Grammar» Modal Verb MAY

We have already met one modal verb can, with which we denote the physical and mental abilities of a person, and we will move on to studying the second modal verb — may, which also has the past tense form — might.

It translates into Russian as «I can, maybe, you can, you can.»

Like the modal verb can, we only use may with the infinitive (initial form) of the semantic verb. without a particle to: he may tell us what he knows (by no means may to tell).

Using the modal verb MAY

To facilitate the perception and understanding of the use cases of a modal verb, we will indicate the situations and try to clearly explain how to translate sentences with this modal verb.

Just like the modal verb can, MAY works for all present tense faces, and might works for all past tense faces.
Let’s conjugate the verb may — might in the affirmative form on the faces.

• I may / might go — I can / could go
• You may / might go — you can / might go
• They may / might go — they may / could go
• He, she, it may / might go — he, she can / could go

The negative form is formed by adding the negative particle not to the modal verb may not / might not

• I may not / might not go — I cannot / could go
• You may not / might not go — you cannot / might not go
• They may not / might not go — they cannot / could go
• He, she, it may not / might not go — he, she cannot / could go

To form an interrogative sentence, we follow the established order of words: 1) — interrogative word (if any), 2) — auxiliary verb, which in this case is may / might, 3) — subject, 4) — predicate, 5) — minor members of the proposal. Let’s try to translate the following questions into English together:

• May I call you? — Can I call you? (the general question does not contain an interrogative word and we start the translation with an auxiliary verb) • May he come to her place in the evening? — Maybe he will come to you in the evening? (general question) • Where may we go in the evening? — Where can we go in the evening? (special question, contains a question word) • When may I see you? — When can I see you? (special question) • Who may stay after the lessons? — Who can stay after school? (question to the subject)

Pay attention to the word order of the subject question — after the auxiliary verb expressed by the modal verb may, the predicate verb follows.

Let’s compare may and can

Let’s take a look at when and in what senses the modal verb may should be used by comparing it to the modal verb can. Both modal verbs translate as «I can, maybe, you can.»

But what is the difference between them? As you remember, can means physical and mental ability, if we say “I can lift a box — I can lift a box”, it means that the person performing the action has enough strength to lift the box.

Now let’s replace can with may in the same sentence «I may lift a box — I can lift a box.» The translation remains the same, but the meaning has changed.

In this case, «I can lift the box» does not mean the physical ability of the person performing the action, but permission from another person, ie. the meaning of the sentence is: «I can lift the box = I am allowed to lift the box, nothing prevents me from doing it.»

Conclusions about the modal verb MAY    

1. Thus, the first meaning of the modal verb may is the opportunity created by the circumstances when there are no obstacles to the performance of the action. In this sense, may occurs only in affirmative sentences.

• You may buy food in the shop — you can buy food in the store
• Tickets may be ordered beforehand — Tickets can be ordered in advance

2. With the help of the modal verb and its past tense form might, we express a request and permission. Moreover, if we use might. please be very polite:

• May I ask you to close the door? — can I ask you to close the door?
• You may take my cosmetics if you wish — you can take my cosmetics if you wish

3. May also expresses an assumption related to doubt, which in Russian sounds like “maybe, maybe”. Any infinitive can be used in this value after May:

• He may be ill — maybe he got sick • She may have forgotten of her promise — maybe she forgot about her promise

• It may be too expensive — probably very expensive

• Finally, remember the construction with the modal verb may: may as well, might as well, translated into Russian as «quite possibly».

• It is possible that we will meet soon — we may as well meet very soon

8 Comments on Modal Verb MAY

Source: https://crownenglishclub.ru/drugoe/modalnyj-glagol-may-formy-i-situatsii-upotrebleniya.html

Resolution

May I go to the bathroom? — Can I go to the toilet?

You may not use my car, you are not a careful driver — You cannot take my car, you drive sloppily.

The verb may is very polite and formal here.

Other verbs are also used in this meaning, for example:

Could I go out? — Can I get out? (Read more in the article on the modal verb can)

Do you mind if I leave for a while? «Do you mind if I go away for a while?»

In the future, during a conference, meeting, class, etc., if you need to leave for a little while, you can simply say:

Will you excuse me? — Will you allow? (absent)

A polite question or

Why did you take that decision if I may ask? — Why did you make such a decision, if not a secret?

May I ask why you took that decision? — May I ask why you made such a decision?

Possibility, probability, assumption, uncertainty

The verb may can be used in the present tense:

He may not know the answer. — He may not know the answer.

Robert may be sleeping now. “Robert may be asleep now.

Can be used in the past tense (may have V3):

The manager may have forgotten to call. — The manager might have forgotten to call.

The modal verb may can also be used to express probability in the future tense:

I may not come to the party tonight. “I may not come to the party tonight.

In this meaning, instead of a modal verb, you can use the constructions

It’s ly / unly to happen — Probably / This is unlikely to happen.

Idiomatic expressions

Be that as it may — nevertheless; howbeit.

May as well. — Quite possible.

Come what may. — Whatever happens.

When agreeing on times

Since might is the past form of the verb may, it is used in the past tense when agreeing tense:

Source: https://4lang.ru/english/grammar/may-and-might