Modal VerbsMay – Might – Could

to express possibility

Section 1Simple Modal

Verbs

“May”

1. to express possibility2. to ask or to give a permission (formal)3. to make requests

EXAMPLES:

He may come late today.You may use my Computer now.May I make a phone call?

Today is cloudy, it ________________ rain.

Choose the best answer

MayDoes

“Could” “Might”

Section 2Past forms of

Modal Verbs and their functions

1. to express general ability in the past, because it is the past form of the “Can”

2. to express possible future actions similar to “May and Might” in meaning

3. to make a request or ask something4. to express unreal or impossible actions

EXAMPLES:

We tried hard but we could not persuade them to come with us.

My grandfather could not swim.Could you tell me what time it is? I don’t know how she works 14

hours a day in front of the computer, I could not do this.

1. to give or ask permission, or possibility in the past, because it is the past form of “May”

2. to express future or present possibility and probability

3. Interchangeably with “May” quite often with no difference in meaning.

EXAMPLES:

He might be having lunch now. It might rain tomorrow.There may/might not be a meeting

tonight, because the director is ill. I may/might go to Italy this summer.

Your brother was ill, therefore he _____ go out for a walk.

Choose the correct modal verb

Can’t Mustn’t Couldn’t

If he were here, he ____ help you.

Choose the correct modal verb

May Could

This house ____ look better if they painted it and cut the grass and planted flowers.

Choose the correct modal verb

May Would

He said that I ____ play any CD from his collection while he was gone.

Choose the correct modal verb

May Might

Don’t call me at 8:30. I ____ be watching the football match on television.

Choose the correct modal verb

CanMight