CONTENT
Modal verbs in English grammar express the ability, permission, obligation, possibility, etc. Modal verbs only have one form, meaning that they are used in simple present and don't have past simple and past participle forms.
However, some modal verbs can have alternative forms which can be used in different tenses.
Example
Explanation
He may not go to the cinema.
This example shows that he does not have a permission to go to the cinema.
He might not go to the cinema.
This example clarifies the probability.
Permission
Rule 1: We can use both may and might to ask permission in present simple. May and might are more polite than could.
Note: We usually only use may in questions with I and we.
Example
Explanation
May/Might I have a black coffee to go, please?
Both may and might are used to ask for permission, although might is a more formal and rarely used form of request.
Rule 2: We can only use may to give permission.
Example
Explanation
You may have your coffee here, as well.
May is used to give permission.
Possibility
Rule 3: We can use both may and might to express possibility in the future. There is no difference between may and might.
Note: We rather don't use contractions with may not and might not.
Example
Explanation
I may go to visit my parents this weekend.
May is used to show the possibility of an action in the future.
I might not see you tomorrow at the party.
Might not is used to show the possibility of not seeing someone in the future.
Deduction
Rule 4: We can use both may and might when we think something is most likely true, but we are not 100% sure.
Example
Explanation
She may/might not want to make career in marketing.
Both may and might not are used to talk about something perhaps true, but without complete confidence.
Rule 5: We can use may/might (not) + have + past participle to speculate about something.
Example
Explanation
She may/might have wanted to make a career in marketing when she was younger.
May/might can be used to speculate about her past career choices.
Quiz
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Choose the correct modal verb: You ___ leave. The lesson isn't over.
0
correct answers.