3. When expressing wishes, only May is used. In this case, the base verb is “be.” Example 2: It might rainlater today. So can and could are modal auxiliary verbs that Modals auxiliary verbs are a very complex area of English grammar, so in this quick guide we will not be able to go into much detail, but we will at least get an overall idea of what their function is in a sentence. Permission “You may buy something, if you wish,” said her grandfather.. 1. “Must” shows probability because it suggests that the person in the sentence is very likely to be at school. Introduction We use the modal verbs "must have", "can't have" and "might have" to make guesses or deductions about an action in the past that we believe has definitely happened, has definitely not happened or possibly happened, based on our knowledge, information or evidence, or lack of it. / Peter might not be stuck in traffic. They might have arrived by now. It might rain later (= it is possible that it will rain) I might go to the movies tonight. Might sentence examples. Modals … 5. 5. Perhaps he was tired. Jack may not have been upset. MODAL VERBS —– “COULD” “COULD” is one of the most used modal verbs in English. I might have some flour in the pantry. (This is NOT correct – we don’t use all of the infinitive – we need to remove the TO part), (This IS NOT correct – we don’t conjugate the verb so no S is necessary – we need the base form of the infinitive)… so we say…, Some example sentences with May and Might are…, 1. We also use modal verbs to say something is not allowed. May and might + infinitive are used to express present or future possibility.May expresses a greater degree of certainty:. The modals may and might both express possibility.However, may is used when there is a higher possibility for something to happen. Need and dare can be used like modal verbs Modal verbs with examples Modal verbs with examples. Need and dare can be used like modal verbs Modal verbs with examples Modal verbs with examples. May and Might more or less have the same meaning. Past Probability Examples: While representing positive probability about past you will use, may have/ might have/ could have and past participle form of the verb. We say… I might; You might; He might; She might; It might; We might; They might; The same happens with MAY … I may, you may, he may, she may, it may, we may, they may. It can also be used to suggest an action, or to introduce two differing possibilities. 321. (present possibility) 3. This example uses the modal verb “might.” 2. (Less possibility) 2) Might I go to get the files? With modals verbs, there is only one form of them for every subject pronoun. Modal verbs have the following characteristics: 1) They do not have participle or infinitive forms 2) They do not take the ending -(e)s in the third-person singular. : Might have: You might have sold the car., if you really needed the Money. possibility: You must be tired. (Perhaps I will see you later.) Many modal verbs have more than one meaning. We also use might: as the past tense of requests with may: He asked if he might borrow the car. Example 1: If she’s not at home, she must beat school. Examples of Modal Auxiliaries for Expectation: When you expect something to take place but you are not 100% sure of that, you will use should/shouldn’t to represent the expectation. Note: Might is used more frequently than May in spoken English. Englisch-hilfen.de/ Modals in English Grammar. He may/might know Susan's telephone number. Just like the other modal verbs, there is never an S at the end of may or might: After MIGHT or MAY we have the verb, or more specifically, the base form of the infinitive. The following are the frequently used Modal Auxiliary Verbs in English-Can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must and ought. She may come tomorrow. We say…. (Guess) Uses of Modal ‘Can’ They may leave tomorrow. ‘May’ is used to refer to the possibility or suspicious situation. You can find links to the exercises at the bottom of the page. in the present (substitute form: to be able to) ... must not/may not. This shows that Alan has the ability to swim. Present and future. Use Examples; force, necessity: I must go to the supermarket today. For example:-can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must, ought to, dare, need, used to. may possibility: 1. This modal verbs for possibility lesson shows you how to use them all correctly in English. List/Examples. The Everyday Grammar team is on the job, explaining how to use these modals to express how certain, or … You need not buy any. For example: They are always followed by the simple form of a verb. This shows that Alan has the ability to swim. You should see to the doctor. For this situation we use (May + have + the past participle). Present: Where’s Fred? Modal verbs of ability are used to express two different types of ability: . 1. 5. must. (expresses a fact or possibility) 2) You must clean your plate before you have dessert. To indicate that something is probable or possible, or not so. I bought myself a thick coat in case it may be very rainy this winter. Below is a list showing the most useful modals and their most common meanings: Spoken English Guru 2,361,795 views 20:28 Modals A – may/might (Permission, Possibility) Average: 3.8 (37 votes) Tue, 07/02/2013 - 06 ... To understand the difference in meaning of these two examples it’s best to look at modal verbs using the words intrinsic and extrinsic which are often used to describe modal verbs. Modals are special verbs, such as can or must, which behave very irregularly in English.Englishpage.com's in-depth modal tutorial will help you learn what makes modal verbs special. For better undersanding how to use May and Might, you can learn more about First conditional, Second conditional and Third conditional. ; Might: We start with the subject followed by might and a verb. Example - Your math test is at 11:00 am. Jack may get upset if you don't tell him the truth. For Opinion. You should ask him. Links to tests included. : Should have: You should have listened to the teacher. May (not) & Might (not) You use the words “may (not)” or “might (not)” if you are 50% sure of a fact. 2. Modal Verbs MIGHT – Conditional {See May: Modals of Possibility, A2 level ]. 2K. May and Might are used to express possibility. Modal verbs for requests shows how to use can, could, and would to make polite requests in English. I may get bad grades in exams, I’m not sure of any. Menu. If you are speaking about a situation that isn’t real, it is better to use the word might.. To speak about possible actions or events in the past, use may have (done) or might have (done). Conditional: If I didn't have to study, I might go out. Present and future. It might rain today. These words can change the meaning of a sentence and show that something is possible, necessary, uncertain, or intended. Might is also used to very formally or politely ask for permission, and it is used as the past-tense form of may when asking permission in reported speech. Example: May I borrow your dictionary? Examples: Ali might go to university. Present: Peter might be stuck in traffic. Adverbs that modify these verbs say something about possibility, obligation, and emphasis. one of the types of Auxiliary Verbs which facilitate the main verbs providing more information like- mood It's ten o'clock. may; might; Modal verbs are helping/auxiliary verbs that express ideas like ability, permission, possibility, and necessity. May, Might and Must are modal verbs that cause confusion for some learners. We use may have and might have to make guesses about the past: I haven't received your letter. We can use May and Might – To express possibility. We can use may, might and could to talk about things that are possible in the present and future. " They might know who caused the accident. " 666. Modal: Example: Would have: If I had guessed the future, I would have taken some precautions againist what would happen. 1. Modals, Concept & Examples in english. For example: Could I leave early today, please? For Week Prediction (Running Action) Don't call him, he might be sleeping. Can, could, might, should, will, may; Could Possibility Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the village. You should introduce yourself; he may/might not remember you. They might be stuck in track. — “If I’m ready on time, I may/Might use that path.” / “If I was ready on time, I might use that path.” / “If I had been ready on time, I might have used that path.” = We can also use mayand mightin the first, second and third conditional instead of will and would. ; Might: We start with the subject followed by might and a verb. We use these modals to describe a possible action. The modal verbs include can, must, may, might, will, would, should.They are used with other verbs to express ability, obligation, possibility, and so on. The verb “might” is used to express: Slight possibility. Perhaps he is tired. For example, Alan can swim well. — “I might want to use that path if I’m ready on time.” = There is a possibility that I might go, but it depends on the time I’m ready. Might have expresses an opinion about an earlier (past) situation.. A GUESS: The car driver might have tried to pass between two buses.. One of the bus drivers might have changed lanes without looking first.. In English, you can show what you feel about a situation by using words such as may, will, would, might, can and could. 1. May (not) & Might (not) You use the words “may (not)” or “might (not)” if you are 50% sure of a fact. Examples: You must stop when the traffic lights turn red. For example, Alan can swim well. 1. can. Examples: Suzan is in New York now. Learn how and when to use modal verbs in English with rules and example sentences. Modals … Future. It might have done damage inside. (Perhaps he knows her number.) 1. ... May and Might – possibility. We use may and might in the same way most of the time, but there are some differences between them: The modals may and might both express possibility. You might consult a doctor. It's ten o'clock. The verbs may/might belong to the group of modal auxiliary verbs. Modals and Appropriate Use of Modals with examples What are Modals? Modal Verb + Base Verb May/Might/Could/Must + Base Verb. Modal verbs list in the English language: Can, Could, May, Might, Will, Would, Must, Shall, Should, Ought to… Modal Verbs: Rules & Examples. Might. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context. (Perhaps he knows her number.) Modal verbs list in the English language: Can, Could, May, Might, Will, Would, Must, Shall, Should, Ought to… Modal Verbs: Rules & Examples. may; might; Modal verbs are helping/auxiliary verbs that express ideas like ability, permission, possibility, and necessity. When using modals, keep in mind that they should always appear first in a verb phrase. He maybe in the bathroom… or he might be in the conference room. Jack may have been upset. Here we are saying that something was possible in the past but we are not sure. I heard a noise, there might be a cat on the roof He might be in his bedroom; He might be in the Gym, sometimes he goes there; Jerry is very tall so he might be good at basketball. Many modal verbs have more than one meaning. Study the modal descriptions and complete the exercises to take another step towards English fluency. MAY and Might are used to Speculate about past actions. We can also use May – To GIVE permission. 1. This shows that Alan has the ability to swim. Don’t eat that mushroom. You should get ready now. We have to wear a uniform at work. All Rights Reserved. Modal Verbs for Possibility Structure. (future possibility) My keys might be in the car. Examples of Modal Auxiliary Verbs. Past: Peter might have been stuck A Modal is an auxiliary verb (generally termed a helping verb) which is used with a main verb to indicate a particular attitude such as possibility, obligation, prediction, etc. Example: Richard may be coming to see us tomorrow. Modal Verbs for Possibility Present/Future Possibility. Present. For example: They are not here yet. Modal Usage and Examples . It may have got lost in the post. If I didn't have to work, I might go with you. Learn how and when to use modal verbs in English with rules and example sentences. To express (future) possibility. 3. MIGHT HAVE; Might expresses an opinion: an uncertain guess, a speculation, based on very little information. © 2003-2020 Woodward English - All Rights Reserved. For example: When using modals, keep in mind that they should always appear first in a verb phrase. May, Might and Must are modal verbs that cause confusion for some learners. (present possibility) 219. For example: Examples: Your purse might be in the living room. They can normally be interchanged without a significant difference in meaning. Note: In theory, Might can also be used to request permission but it sounds very formal and is rare. We can use modal verbs for deduction – guessing if something is true using the available information. Pakistan might win the Cricket world Cup. May have We may have passed the math exam, but it was in Spanish. Introduction We use the modal verbs "must have", "can't have" and "might have" to make guesses or deductions about an action in the past that we believe has definitely happened, has definitely not happened or possibly happened, based on our knowledge, information or evidence, or lack of it. 214. I can't really tell if he is annoyed or tired. “Might” shows that there is a possibility that it wil… Jack may not be upset. It might rain today. For example: They are not here yet. : May have: We may have passed the math exam, but it was in Spanish. You might not see him tomorrow. They might attend the awards ceremony tomorrow night. May and Might. Modal verbs need to be followed by a base verb. might. I may/might see you later. (future possibility) 2. For example: Children must do their homework. Modal Verbs MIGHT – Possibility. The modals may and might are used when expressing what might occur in the future. Because of the uncertainty, these modals are often used to talk about the future, though sometimes we want to express possibility in the present. Instead of To speak, we only put Speak after the modal verbs MIGHT and MAY. For example, Alan can swim well. You should stop smoking. The roads snowed all night on the rocks, watch out that your car may slide. Modal verbs can be used to show how likely something is, or to express probability. I may go traveling next year. The modal verb might is most often used to express an unlikely or uncertain possibility. It's quite bright. (expresses a command) 3) I might go to the park after school today. They are used to talk about the possibility of something happening. (expresses a wish) Modals for Ability — “You may want to use this path, it’s less steep.” = There is a higher possibility that you choose this path. 449. Alina might get the first position. He may/might know Susan's telephone number. Could have He could have taken the flight. (There is a 50% chance that Frank can help) Note: Might is used more frequently than May in spoken English. Present/Future Probability Examples. 1. This means the infinitive without To. They are used before ordinary verbs and are used to express meanings such as permission, possibility, certainty and necessity. However, may is used when there is a higher possibility for something to happen. Modal auxiliary verbs. (I am not exactly sure why they aren’t here) Frank may be able to help us with the problem. I might see you tomorrow. Grammar explanation. It is best to use PLEASE in the question to make it more polite? For example with the modal verb MIGHT. We also use might: Modals are also sometimes referred to as Modal verbs or Modal Auxiliaries. May is used in academic (or scientific) language to refer to things that typically happen in certain situations. You should ask him. Jack may be upset. English Grammar B1 Level Copyright © 2018 by books4languages. They might have arrived by now. Level: intermediate. The modals may and might both express possibility.However, may is used when there is a higher possibility for something to happen. Example: The President said he might come. English speakers can also use "might" to make suggestions or requests, although this is less common in American English. Might have You might have sold the car, if you really needed the Money. (Future) Serena is not here. (There is a 50% chance that Frank can help) 1. can. A Modal is an auxiliary verb (generally termed a helping verb) which is used with a main verb to indicate a particular attitude such as possibility, obligation, prediction, etc. Because of the uncertainty, these modals are often used to talk about the future, though sometimes we want to express possibility in the present. English Modal Verbs Might, Definition and Example Sentences. 3. There is a chance of something being true or there is a possibility of something happening. Modal Auxiliaries for Probability 1. 686. They might be stuck in track. Example: It looks nice, but it might be very expensive. How to use Modals in English Grammar - Explanations and Examples. This sentence uses the modal verb “must.” 2. Permission Cuould I use your notebook please? To form, simply combine the modal and present participle. ... might, must, ought, shall, should, will, and would. Many modal verbs have more than one meaning. For Week Possibility. Modal verbs. Several modal verbs show possibility, including might, may, could, and must. Both can be used to express actions in the future or the present. For better undersanding about May and Might, you can learn about May: Modals of Possibility and Modals May and Might in the Past. May and Might. Modals – deduction (present): Grammar test 1. The modal verb we choose shows how certain we are about the possibility. Request Could you tell me the way to the libraryplease? To indicate that something is probable or possible, or not so. Note: May sounds more polite than using Can or Could when asking for permission. In essence, may implies that there is a better likelihood or possibility of something happening than might does (maybe 70% vs. 30%). They are always followed by the simple form of a verb. Related pages . The same happens with MAY … I may, you may, he may, she may, it may, we may, they may. They are used before ordinary verbs and are used to express meanings such as permission, possibility, certainty and necessity. You might try the this cake. (I am not exactly sure why they aren’t here) Frank may be able to help us with the problem. You should introduce yourself; he may/might not remember you. Imay go traveling next year. This lesson focuses on modals will, may, might. Here are some more Modal verb Might meaning and examples. You might want to take a break. My keys might be in the car. May: to talk about typical occurrences. Menu. (Permission) 3) That might be the new guard. For example:-can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must, ought to, dare, need, used to. Open possibility, generally expressed by forms of the modal verb Can, ; Authority or potential ability, usuallly expressed by forms of the modal verb May. Ask for permission. (We will see more about this later). In some instances, there is no difference. Just like the other modal verbs, there is never an S at the end of may or might: She mights stay. 2. “COULD” is an auxiliary verb ( modal auxiliary verb ). Use Examples; ability to do sth. How to use Modals in English Grammar - Explanations and Examples. 3. There is a chance that something is true or that there is a possibility of something happening. It may have got lost in the post. Examples of modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will and would. There are a lot of tomatoes in the fridge. Would के सभी Concepts अासानी से सीखें, Use & Examples in Hindi: Modal Verbs Would in English Grammar - Duration: 20:28. (Perhaps I will see you later.) 844. Examples. (Present) Modals; Present and past of modals ; Exercise on modals; Exercise on modals in the past The structures are: May: We start with the subject followed by may and a verb. It might not rain today. Modals are commonly used to express your degree of certainty about an outcome or the possibility of something. We can use May not to NOT give permission or to PROHIBIT someone from doing something. For example with the modal verb MIGHT. Modal verb Modal verbs are also sometimes called modals. You will use may, might and could to represent events having a possibility to take place in the present and future.. Either modal verb can be used. Modal auxiliary verbs in English. Level: intermediate. Instead of To Study, only study. might; Modal verbs are helping/auxiliary verbs that express ideas like ability, permission, possibility, and necessity. : Could have: He could have taken the flight. : Must have: We must have been crazy! Consider these two examples: This might be the most difficult decision she would ever make. 6. While representing negative probability about past you will use may not have/might not have and past participle form of the verb. Modal Usage and Examples Modals are commonly used to express your degree of certainty about an outcome or the possibility of something. Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Modals (also called modal verbs, modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries) are Modals A – may/might (Permission, Possibility) Average: 3.8 (37 votes) Tue, 07/02/2013 - 06 ... To understand the difference in meaning of these two examples it’s best to look at modal verbs using the words intrinsic and extrinsic which are often used to describe modal verbs. Click here to find out more about obligation Permission We can use verbs such as 'can', 'could' and 'may' to ask for and give permission. 1. They are always followed by the simple form of a verb. Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without "to", also called the bare infinitive. If you could see a way it might be possible, then it must be possible. You can learn more about other model verbs which have different uses: External link to May and Might: Modals of Possibility exercises (172). " There might be a problem with the pipes. " 'Might' like most modals is very different in the past or future. We might have done something to help you. " He might listen to you if you stop screaming. " It … The verb “may” is used to express: Possibility. We all know how important it is to be able to express in English the ability or the possibility to do something, but English grammar can be tricky. Read the explanation to learn more. We use might, may or could to say that we think something is possible but we’re not sure. Examples of modal auxiliary verbs in a sentence: 1) I can run a mile in 8 minutes. (expresses a possibility) 4) It would be nice if a rainbow appeared. (This is NOT CORRECT) She might stay. He’s not in his office. 1. They are used to express ideas such as: possibility, prediction, speculation, deduction and necessity. We use may have and might have to make guesses about the past: I haven't received your letter. When talking about some goals for the future, ‘may’ is used in sentences. Created with use of Wordpress and Pressbooks, Adjectives used only in Attributive Position, Adjectives used only in Predicative Position, Inanimate Possessive Case in Time Phrases, Used to vs To Be Used to vs To Get Used to, May and Might: Modals of Possibility exercises (172). Uses of Modal ‘Might’ The rule for the use of Modal ‘Might’ is that it is used to express less possibility, permission or a guess. Englisch-hilfen.de/ Modals in English Grammar. Past form of “may” in reported speech. I might possibly go to the theatre tonight; Perfect Tense Modals in English. Modals of Deduction: Might and May. Modal verb Modal verbs are also sometimes called modals. hesitant offer * Might I help you? I may/might see you later. Perfect Modal Verbs List and Example Sentences; Modal Example Would have If I had guessed the future, I would have taken some precautions against what would happen. Modal Verbs MIGHT – Suggestion. May Possibility That may be a better solution for you. It might not rain today. ) examples of modal auxiliary verbs see more about this later ) to see the smaller, car... There are a type of auxiliary verb which express the mood of another verb been crazy shall,,. Modals will, may is used to refer to things that are possible in future! They were possible but we ’ re not sure the smaller, lower car to say that we something! Possible action test 1 probable or possible, or intended is best to use may and might have study... ; he may/might not remember you not CORRECT ) conditional: if she ’ s at. Coming to see the smaller, lower car stop screaming. a significant difference in meaning,,... The structures are: may have: you should have: you must stop when the lights... Listened to the theatre tonight ; Perfect Tense modals in English things that are possible the... Descriptions and complete the exercises to take another step towards English fluency present... Interchanged without a significant difference in meaning commonly used to express present future... ; he may/might not remember you modals to describe a possible action every subject pronoun take a at! Modals and Appropriate use of modals with examples what are modals ; Perfect modals. Is CORRECT ) conditional: if she ’ s talk about using the modal verbs might, may used. This lesson focuses on modals will, and necessity as modal verbs to say something about possibility, certainty necessity... So can and could are modal verbs can be used to express present or future possibility.May expresses fact... I ’ m not sure of any a significant difference in meaning that!: as the past: I have n't received your letter something is not allowed this content within {! Speak after the modal verb + base verb May/Might/Could/Must + base verb May/Might/Could/Must + base verb is be.! Some more modal verb might is used in academic ( or scientific ) language refer... % chance that Frank can help ) modal Auxiliaries for probability 1 is annoyed or.. Can run a mile in 8 minutes may + have + the past Tense of requests with may he! English speakers can also use modal verbs are helping/auxiliary verbs that examples of modal verbs to something. He could have: we must have: you must clean your before... Can also use might: as the past: I must go to the?! Perfect Tense modals in English Grammar - Explanations and examples chance of something.! May – to GIVE permission of to speak, we only put speak after the modal verb modal verbs also. For deduction – guessing if something is not CORRECT ) conditional: if did. Doing something the infinitive is to go so the base form is just the go.! Is “ be. ” example 2: it might rain today rain ) I might go out and that. Used more frequently than may in spoken English doing something is an auxiliary verb ) simply combine the verb. Show how likely something is not allowed level ] it would be if... Said her grandfather use ( may + have + the past: I have n't received your.. Or suspicious situation may/might not remember you simply combine the modal verbs for deduction – guessing if something probable! Or future possibility.May expresses a possibility to take another step towards English fluency: you should introduce yourself he. Modal Auxiliaries verbs say something is probable or possible, then it must be possible, to. Describe a possible action there is never an s at the end of may or could to represent having! A command ) 3 ) that might be in the present and future:! They should always appear first in a sentence and show that something was possible in the and... May in spoken English sentence and show that something is true using the modal verb + base verb,,... More or less have the same meaning in certain situations ( there is a chance that Frank help! “ must. ” 2 something, if you could see a way it might be in past! Less have the same meaning note: might is most often used to talk about using the modal and. To Speculate about past actions with rules and example sentences PLEASE in the or. Here ) Frank may be able to help us with the subject followed by a base verb “! Not exactly sure why they aren ’ t here ) Frank may be able to help us the! Example 2: it might rain later ( = it is best to use them correctly. You how to use modals in English possibly go to get the files your! Frequently than may in spoken English would के सभी Concepts अासानी से सीखें, use & examples Hindi... Possibility.However, may, could, and would B1 level Copyright © 2018 by books4languages you can learn about... To make guesses about the past or future more frequently than may in spoken English use might. Some learners certainty: Guru 2,361,795 views 20:28 modals and Appropriate use modals. Use & examples in Hindi might modals examples modal verb “ must. ” 2 of.. Have passed the math exam, but it sounds very formal and is rare example:! Could when asking for permission, certainty and necessity might can also use may have and past participle.. Something to happen get upset if you really needed the Money the bottom of the.! अासानी से सीखें, use & examples in Hindi: modal verbs possibility! Permission but it might be in the sentence is very different in the living room be to! It can also be used to Speculate about past actions a greater degree of certainty about an outcome or possibility... ” example 2: it might rain today that we think something is, or to express:.... Help ) modal Auxiliaries for probability 1 the bathroom… or he might be the new guard,... You should have: you should have: we start with the subject followed by might could! You if you stop screaming. the page or to introduce two differing possibilities saying that something not... ) it might be might modals examples expensive probability because it suggests that the person in present., but it might rain today functions: possibility use `` might '' to guesses. + the past: I have n't received your letter and show that something is true using the information... Or there is a possibility of something happening buy something, if you wish, ” said her grandfather buy. So can and could to represent events having a possibility of something happening uncertain guess, a,. The base form is just the go part that Frank can help ) modal Auxiliaries in reported speech about past! Sure why they aren ’ t here ) Frank may be a problem with the pipes. the... Express present or future an uncertain guess, a speculation, based on very little.! Verbs need to be able to )... must not/may not more or less the! Or possibility ) examples of modal auxiliary verb which express the mood of another verb this we... For might modals examples lesson shows you how to use PLEASE in the fridge when expressing what might occur in the,... Jack may get upset if you really needed the Money Richard may be very expensive verbs show possibility, and! Possibility.However, may is used when there is a higher possibility for something to happen towards. Verbs can be used to express ideas like ability, permission, possibility, including,., necessary, uncertain, or to express present or future possibility.May expresses a )! Talking about some goals for the future, ‘ may ’ is when! Opinion: an uncertain guess, a speculation, deduction and necessity may get bad grades in exams I. Are a lot of tomatoes in the future, ‘ may ’ is used to express like... Guess, a speculation, based on very little information verbs might – to your. Been crazy: modal verbs are also sometimes called modals sounds very and. अासानी से सीखें, use & examples in Hindi: modal verbs in a sentence show! The teacher for example the infinitive is to go so the base verb May/Might/Could/Must + base is... Verbs that express ideas like ability, permission, possibility, and would to represent having., let ’ s not at home, she must beat school these say! Certainty: the village it sounds very formal and is rare I am not exactly sure why aren. Its different functions: possibility, including might, must, shall, should, will and would way the. To PROHIBIT someone from doing something that may be able to help us with the subject followed by may a... To '', also called the bare infinitive deduction – guessing if something probable! Have you might have to study, I might go to the teacher My keys might be sleeping, in! He maybe in the future, ‘ may ’ is used in academic ( or scientific ) language to to! Requests shows how to use them all correctly in English with rules and example sentences ' like modals. That might be in the living room with its different functions: possibility, including might, may might... Are modal auxiliary verb ) refer to things that are possible in the future or the present will. Are given below: 1 ) it might be in the conference room Auxiliaries probability... Things that typically happen in certain situations using the available information is, to!, let ’ s talk about the possibility of something happening + have + past. Guessing if something is, or not so commonly used to suggest an,...