Many people very often have to communicate with foreigners while traveling. You ask someone for directions, ask someone for help, bargain with someone, and just talk to someone. People enjoy communicating when their interlocutors are open and polite.

In this article we will talk about the modal verb may and its past form might. With its help, you will become the most polite person in the eyes of our foreign friends.

From the article you will learn: in what situations we use these verbs, how may differs from can, and how to correctly construct sentences with may/might.

Translation and usage of the verb may in English

We translate the verb may as “probably/can/can.” We use it in the following situations:

1. If something can happen, but you are not sure about it. That is, there is a certain probability that this will happen.
For example: I may be late, don't wait for me.

It may rain tonight.
It might rain today.

They may come back.
They may come back.

2. Used to say that someone is allowed to do something. In this sense, may is a more formal word than can.
For example: You can go for a walk.

You may take whatever you like.
You can take whatever you like.

We have finished the work, so we may go home.
We finished work so we can go home.

3. Used to ask permission or suggest something in a polite manner.
For example: May I ask?

May I ask you a question?
Can I ask you a question?

May I suggest another hotel?
May I suggest another hotel?

The difference between the verb may and the verb can

IN English language there is another modal verb can, which is also translated as “I can.” How do you know when to use which verb? Now I will explain to you.

Can expresses physical or mental ability.
That is, a person says that he is able to do something. For example: I can solve this problem myself, you don’t need help.

I can remove this table.
I can move this table.

In this case, the person says that he is physically able to lift the table and put it in another place.

May expresses permission and permission to do something.
That is, a person has permission to do something.

I may remove this table.
I can move this table.

What is meant here is that the person has permission to take the table and put it in another place.

The verb may is in the past tense

The verb may has the past tense form might, which translates as “could.” It is used in the following cases:

1. When something was possible in the past, but did not happen.
For example: He could go to the concert with us.

You might meet him.
You could have met him.

He might become famous.
He could become famous.

2. When the possibility of something is communicated
For example: He thought that his words might upset her.

He thought he might be wrong.
He thought he might be wrong.

She might know the answer.
She might know the answer.

Note: Might is also used in meanings other than the past tense of may. This verb is used:

1. To politely suggest that someone should do something.
For example: You can look for this information on the Internet if it is not here.

You might find new job.
You can find a new job.

They might go to new restaurant today.
They can go to a new restaurant today.

2. To politely ask permission to do something.
Above I wrote that we can do the same using the verb may. What's the difference? Everything is very simple. Might is used in spoken British English.
For example: Can I borrow your pen?

Might I ask your name?
May I ask your name?

Might I open the window?
Can I open the window?

3. When you're annoyed because someone didn't do what you think they should have done.
For example: They could clean up after themselves after they eat.

You might have told me.
You could have told me.

You might ask before you use my computer.
You might as well ask before using my computer.

Affirmative sentences with verbs may/might

The verb may is self-contained, so it does not require other auxiliary verbs. Also remember that it does not change in any way depending on the character. The sentence formation scheme will be like this:

the one in question + may/might + action

I
You
We		dance
They	may/might	swim
She		cook
He
It

Examples:

You may ask me any question you want.
You can ask me any question.

She might use my car at any time.
She can use my car any time.

Negative sentences with the verb may/might

When we say that something is not possible or prohibit someone from doing something, we put not after may/might. The education scheme will be as follows:

the one in question + may/might + not + action

I
You
We			dance
They	may/might	not	swim
She			cook
He
It

You may not smoke in the elevator.
You cannot (prohibited) smoke in the elevator.

Tom might not know the answer.
Tom might not know the answer.

Abbreviations:

When negated, we can use the following abbreviations:

may + not = mayn’t
might + not = mightn't

He mightn't agree.
He may not agree.

Visitors mayn't feed the animals.
Visitors are not allowed to feed the animals.

Interrogative sentences with the verb may/might

To ask permission to do something, you need to be able to construct interrogative sentences. To ask a question, we put may first. Sentence formation scheme:

May/might + person in question + action

	I
	you
	we	dance?
May/might	they	cook?
	she	swim?
	he
	it

May I borrow your dictionary?
Can I borrow your dictionary?

Might I come in?
Can I come in?

When answering, you can use may/may not :

Yes, you may.
Yes you can.

No, you may not.
No you can not.

Interrogative sentences with clarifying words

To clarify any information we are interested in, we can use the following words when asking a question:

• What - what
• Where - where
• Who - who
• Which - which
• Why - why
• When - when

To construct a question with these words, we put them in first place, the rest of the word order remains as in a regular question. Scheme for forming such a question:

Clarifying words + may/might + the one in question + action

		I
		you
What		we	write?
Where	may/might	they	cook?
When		she	dance?
		he
		it

So now you are familiar with another modal verb. Now let's secure it theoretical knowledge on practice.

Reinforcement task

Translate the following sentences into English. Be careful!

1. I may be late for the meeting.
2. Can they sign these documents?
3. She can run 10 kilometers.
4. We can't park here.
5. What can I do for you?
6. We could have gone to the cinema yesterday.
7. He can't stay here overnight.
8. You could call me.

Leave your answers in the comments below the article.

Modal verbs are a new concept for Russian speakers and, starting to study them, you should clarify for yourself what type of words they are and how they differ from ordinary verbs:

This is a small group of words that do not denote an action, but only the possibility, admissibility, likelihood or necessity of performing some action

Action:
She writes poems. — She writes poems.

Probability of action:
She can write poems. — She can write poems. Modal verbs express not action, but the possibility of action

1. The modal verb comes before the semantic verb and, together with it, forms a complex verbal predicate.
   • He must work a lot if he wants to become a good specialist. — He must work hard if he wants to become a good specialist
2. The verb after the modal is always in the infinitive form, but in most cases without the infinitive particle -to
   • You may take my laptop. — You can borrow my laptop
3. They do not need negative and interrogative sentence types in the auxiliary verb. Negation and question are constructed using the modal words themselves.
   • May I take your copybook? — Can I borrow your notebook?
     Yes, you may.- Yes you can
   • I can't translate these quotes into English. — I can't translate these expressions into English
4. In the Present Simple tense in the third person they do not have the typical ending -s.
   • She must make a choice. -
   • She must make a choice

What to choose - may or can?

The topic of modal verbs cannot be called difficult, but among them there are pairs of words with the “identical” translation into Russian. Such pairs of words, of course, have certain semantic connotations in the English language, which determine their use. Today we will look at one of these difficult pairs of verbs:
may-can — be able

Use can or may very often a difficulty for beginners, although their translation seems to be no different. However, I think that after studying this table, you will realize that there are clear differences between them that are not so difficult to remember. Why is it so important to deal with this? Because exactly can And may are among the most frequently used in the English language.

The modal verb can expresses mental or physical ability. Shows that actor has the strength to perform the action

• I can read in Russian, Bulgarian and French. — I can read Russian, Bulgarian and French
• I can work 10 hours a day, but I am very tried at the end of the working day. - I can work 10 hours a day, but I am very tired at the end of the working day

The modal verb may expresses someone's approval or permission to perform an action. Indicates that the subject has been given the opportunity to do something

The modal verbs can and may have different connotations

• He may use this desk when he prepares his homework. — He can use this table when he performs homework
• Granny, you got a letter. May I read it to you? — Grandma, you received a letter. Can I read it to you?

Using can and may in informal speech

What was said above is an “unbreakable” rule of use can And may in standard English. But what we see in informal, spoken English is somewhat different - a modal verb can displaces may out of use.

So, when asking permission, the child does not use may as it should:

Mom, can I play in the yard? — Mom, can I play in the yard?
Yes, you can. — Yes.

At the same time, even adults, knowing the rules and semantic subtleties of these words, still neglect them, considering the modal verb may too prim. Having talked about this phenomenon in modern spoken English, I in no way encourage you to speak the same way - on the contrary, my advice would still be to use these words correctly in appropriate situations.

Video: What's the difference between Can and May?

Modal verbs occupy a privileged position in the English language. They are not used independently, but require an infinitive after them, sometimes with the particle to, sometimes without it. In the third person and singular In the present tense they do not take the ending -s. Some may lack tense forms, that is, in fact, these are insufficient verbs - Defective Verbs.

We will focus on the modal verb may. First of all, it is worth noting that this is its form of the present tense, while in the past it is used might. General value words - can (I can, you can, they can, maybe, etc.). Its equivalents are considered to be allowed to And to be permitted to, which, unlike the may always require an infinitive with a particle to:

I may go to bed late at night. -I am allowed/permitted to go to bed late at night. — I can go to bed late at night.

Modal verb may

• Permission. Here is the verb may can be used in all types of sentences: affirmative, interrogative and negative, because one can hardly argue with the fact that permission to do something can be asked, given or denied.

May I use your napkins? —Can I use your napkins?

You may open the window if you want to. — You can open the window if you want.

Please note that prohibition can also be expressed using other verbs:

May I drink the milk you bought yesterday? - Oh no, you must not / may not. It is bad. —Can I drink the milk you bought yesterday? - Oh, no, you can't. It's bad.

• Opportunity conditioned by circumstances. If nothing prevents the action, then this is the place for you. Used only in affirmative sentences.

You may see a lot of celebrities in Los Angeles. — You can see a lot of celebrities in Los Angeles.

In this restaurant you may try the world-famous Ukrainian cuisine. — In this restaurant you can try world-famous Ukrainian cuisine.

Modal verb might

As you noticed, the translation might is no different from its neighbor, which means that sometimes it can be found not in the context of the past tense.

• Reproach. Found here exclusively might With in different forms infinitive, although all of them will express an action that is no longer completed.

You might have tape me the book. I wanted to read it so badly. “You could lend me a book.” I wanted to read it so badly.

You might help your mother cook dinner for the whole family. “You could help mom prepare dinner for the whole family.”

• At coordination of times in indirect speech.

He mentioned that Robert might go there. “He mentioned that Robert might go there.”

I wondered who might know about the occurrence. “I was wondering who might know about the incident.”

Using may and might

• For expression future tense about those events that are just to come. As for the translation might And may- they match.

They may/might choose France for their vacation. — They might choose France for their vacation.

You may leave now but I want you to stay. “You may leave now, but I want you to stay.”

• Uncertainty, doubt about performing any action. In this case, the verb may is translated “perhaps, maybe” and is used with different infinitive forms - both simple and perfect.

I bought this dress last week. You may like it or not. — I bought this dress last week. Maybe you'll like it, maybe you won't.

Jack may have already been reading for hours. “Jack may already be reading for hours on end.”

When you feel that Jane gets remote you might like to hug her and never let go. “When you feel Jane becoming distant, you might want to hug her and never let her go.”

• Please note that the probability of performing an action increases from might To may. It seems like a subtlety, but such things are also important, for example, when giving testimony or weather forecasts :

It may rain today. — It might rain today.

It might rain today. — Maybe it will rain today.

Finally, we will share with you stable expressions with our little friends:

You may depend upon it. - You can be sure.

Come what may. - No matter what happens.

May you rest in peace. - May the earth rest in peace.

A cat may look at a king. - I'm no worse than you.

May as well. - It’s quite possible.

Well, modal verb may- this is a tough nut to crack. You will have to redo a lot of exercises and return to the rule several times to feel like a fish in water. Whether you want it or not, you will need to work hard, but the result will not be long in coming.

MAY is used for all persons in the present tense and relates an action to the present or future tense.

MIGHT - past tense form of the verb may, used in different meanings in relation to present, past and future tense.

Negative form: may not (mayn’t), might not (mightn’t).

Interrogative form: may I?, might I? etc.

Interrogative negative form: may I not (mayn’t I)?, might I not (mightn’t I)? etc.

After may, might followed by an infinitive without the particle to. Verb equivalent may - be allowed to (allowed) - used in the past and future tense.

Use of the verb may

1. To express permission.

You may come later.
You can come later. (Means that there is permission for you to come later.)

In the past tense, in such cases the verb to allow is used, but not might.

I may go there today.
I can go there today.

I was allowed to go there yesterday.
I was allowed to go there yesterday.

Might used in this meaning only in indirect speech, when the main verb is in the past tense (Simple Past).

Direct Speech: Didn't say, "They may go there." He said, "They can go there."
Indirect Speech: He said that they might go there. He said they could go there.

2. To express a polite request.

May I use your spade? Can I borrow your shovel?

Direct Speech: Didn't say, "May I use your rake?" He said, “Can I have your rake?”
Indirect Speech: He asked if he might use my rake. He asked if he could take my rake.

BUT: Might- to express a convincing, persistent request.

You might show me what you have done.
Please, show me what you did.

You might tell me where he went.
Well, please tell me where he went.

(Compare the use of might for this purpose with the verb can)

3. To express the possibility (to perform an action):

a) may/might + Present Indefinite expresses the possibility of performing an action in the present or future tense.

These samples may be chosen deliberately.
These samples can be selected (can be selected) randomly.

This may show us whether it is important or not.
This can show whether it is important or not.

He may come today (tomorrow).

He might come today (tomorrow).
Perhaps he will come today (tomorrow).

They may (might) return from school before dinner.
They will probably be back from school before lunch.

b) expresses the possibility of performing an action in the past.

They may/might have gone to do shopping after their work.
They probably (probably) went shopping after work.

He may have returned from his business trip.
He may have returned from a business trip.

4. To express doubt, uncertainty, assumptions of the speaker about possibilities of action.

May/might + Indefinite Infinitive used in relation to present and future tenses, a may/might + Perfect Infinitive- in relation to the past tense, with the Continuous infinitive - if the intended action occurs at the moment of speech, and with the Perfect Continuous infinitive - if the intended action occurs over a period of time. Moreover, compared to may, the verb might expresses a stronger degree of doubt and uncertainty.

Not may write to us. He might write to us.
She may be too busy. She may be very busy.
They may/might have gone to Moscow. They probably (maybe, perhaps) went to Moscow
He's in his office now and may be dictating letters to the secretary. He is now in his office and may be dictating letters to his secretary.
They may have been talking for half an hour.
They talked for probably half an hour.

Please note:
At the same time, might, rather than may, is often used with the Perfect Infinitive to show that there is no longer uncertainty. So, in the sentence You shouldn't have drunk the wine: it may/might have been drugged ( You shouldn't have drunk the wine - it could have been drugged) use may expresses that there is still uncertainty that the drug is not mixed, but the use might gives the statement the connotation that we now know that the drug was not spiked.

5. Might + Perfect Infinitive - used to express irritation, reproach.

Not might have sent us a telegram.
He could have sent us a telegram ( so that we could prepare for his arrival, but he did not send).

She might have helped you to do your homework.
She could help you with your homework. ( But she didn't want to help.)

Modal verb may in English it is used in only two forms ( may- in present time, might- in the past and subjunctive mood) and has mainly the meaning of permission or probability. How are they translated?

🔊 May - “can, can, maybe”
🔊 Might - “could, could, maybe (less certainty)”

What to understand when learning a modal verb may“it is possible, perhaps” is its similarity to a modal verb can. These two verbs are very similar and often they do not see the difference between them, although it exists. Can we use when we are 100% confident in our statement. May- when we doubt, and our confidence can be estimated at approximately 50%. What the verb swings might, then it expresses the lack of certainty in the choice (say, 25% certainty). Let's look at examples:

🔊You can go, because we have an excellent mark. - You you can go because you have an excellent grade.
(Your teacher has already checked the assignment and is fully confident that you no longer need to sit in class.)

🔊You may go if you did your job well. - You you can go if you have done your job well.
(Your teacher hasn’t checked your work yet, but he’s almost sure that you did it. That’s why he promises to let you go.)

🔊I'll might help you if there’s time, considering that you’ve never helped me before. - I Maybe I will help you if I have time, considering that you have never helped me.
(In your heart you know that you can’t help this person, but you can’t even dare to tell the truth to his face.)

It should be noted that might is also a verb used in the past tense, but it is used only when agreeing tenses.

Forms of the modal verb May

	Present tense		Past tense
I	may	may not (may not)	might	mightn't (might not)
You
He/she/it
We
You
They
	approved	neg.	approved	neg.

Present Simple:
a) Statement
🔊 I may help you today. - I Maybe I'll help you today.
b) Denial
🔊You may not write me letters. - You it is forbidden write me letters.
c) Question
🔊 May you help me with my luggage today? — Can you Will you help me with my luggage today?

Past Simple:
a) Statement
🔊 I might take you to the airport yesterday if my car did not go off. — Maybe I would took you to the airport yesterday if my car hadn't broken down.
b) Denial
🔊 It mightn't be so, I’m not quite sure. - This can not be so, but I'm not quite sure.
c) Question
🔊 Might I borrow your umbrella? — Can Should I use your umbrella?

Comment! At the modal verb may there is no future tense form, but there is a semi-modal equivalent 🔊 be allowed to, which can be used at different times and have a resolution value. Examples of sentences follow.

a) Present Simple: am/is/are (not) + allowed to
🔊 We are not allowed to run in the classroom. - Us not allowed run around in class.
b) Past Simple: was/were (not) + allowed to
🔊 We were not allowed to run in the classroom. - Us not allowed run around in class.
V) Future Simple: will be (not) + allowed to
🔊 We will not be allowed to run in the classroom. - Us won't be allowed run around in class.

The modal verb May is used:

• when we ask permission;

🔊 May I go out? — Can go out?

• when we express doubt;

🔊 This banana may already be rotting. — This banana Maybe It may already be rotting.

• upon request;

🔊 May I take your memory card? — Can Should I take your flash drive?

• when we make assumptions.