Modal Verbs

Tr. Mann Mark Tang

 Use of May

May – to be allowed to, it is possible or probable

• May I sit down here? (allowed to)
• I may have to cancel my plans for Saturday night. (possible/probable)
• She may not arrive on time due to traffic. (possible)
Use of Might

Might – to be allowed to, possible or probable.

Might is used when discussing something that has a slight possibility of
happening, or to ask for permission in a more polite way.
• Chris might show up to the concert tonight. (possible/probable)
• Might I borrow your computer? (Many people don’t say this in American
English, instead they would say Can I borrow your computer? Or May I
borrow your computer?)
Use of Will

Will – to suggest an action or to be able to

• John will go to his second period class tomorrow. (action)

• It will happen. (action)

• She will see the difference. (be able to)

• Eva will not drive the Volkswagen. (not do an action)

• Joe will not study tonight because he has to work. (not be able to)