A modal verb is a type of verb that is used to indicate modality – that is: likelihood, ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestions, order and obligation, and advice etc. They always take v1 form with them. Examples include the English verbs can/ could, may/might, must, will/would and shall/should. In English and other Germanic languages, modal verbs are often distinguished as a class based on certain grammatical properties. Formal Permission / Formal Prohibition
1. You may start your exam now.
2. You may not wear sandals to work.
May I help you?
1. We may go out dinner tonight. Do you want to join us?
2. Our company might get the order if the client agrees to the price.
3. Priyanka may not buy that house. It’s very expensive.
4. They might not buy a house at all.
To Make a Suggestion (when there is no better alternative)
1. You may as well come inside. He will be home soon.
2. We might as well take Friday off. There’s no work to be done anyway.
Choice
You might like to try the salmon fillet. It’s our special today.
Exercises: May / Might
Fill in the correct form of may or might as in the example.
1. May I sit here?
2. They ______ finish the project on time. The main engineer is ill.
3. You _____ want to stop by the museum gift shop on your way out.
4. _____ I have your autograph?
5. He _______ visit the Louvre. He’s in Paris anyway.
6. You ______ park your car here. It’s reserved for guests of the hotel only.
Answers: 2. might not, might 3. May, 4. may 5. may/may not, Shall, 6. Should, Ought to