may, might could possibility

'increment': 1, (= Maybe they are at home.) iasLog("criterion : cdo_pt = entry"); All rights reserved. / You could use the photocopier. 8. var pbTabletSlots = [ pbjs.setConfig(pbjsCfg); Thus, we use âmayâ, âmightâ and âcouldâ when we think that something is possible.Statements with âmayâ, âmightâ and âcouldâ can refer to past, present, or future possibilities. expires: 60 It's ten o'clock. We choose the verb depending on how sure we are. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. ga('send', 'pageview'); Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. {code: 'ad_topslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 50], [320, 50], [320, 100]] } }, userIds: [{ { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_mobile_flex' }}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_300x250' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, dfpSlots['houseslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/houseslot', [300, 250], 'ad_houseslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_houseslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'mid').setTargeting('hp', 'right').setCategoryExclusion('house').addService(googletag.pubads()); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, var pbMobileLrSlots = [ { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, There are many modals in English modals of ability, possibility, necessity/obligation, and advice, to name the most common—and students can get confused by all the different functions and meanings. I noticed it on british English blog. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_rightslot_flex' }}, Thank you very much for this helpful lesson on “would” , I would like to do me a favor , if you could possibly provide more highlight on different uses of ‘ would ‘ not the conditionals, This is a great idea for a future blog post! Isabella asked why ESL speakers think 'may' is more polite than 'could.' Remember that it depends on your region. (= modal of ability, past meaning). { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; Look at Jack! C) MAY, MIGHT, and COULD in the Negative â¢ MIGHT NOT and COULD NOT may be contracted, but this is never done with MAY NOT-just try it, and you will see why. to talk about the result or effect of a possible situation: this is about 'would' usage to talk about future possibility. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, Show all questions <= => They _____ be â¦ However, in Britain, I've been told that 'may' is much more common and can be used in casual speaking (again, correct me if I'm wrong). (Perhaps he knows her number.) { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, 'max': 36, To topic of today was a 'May, might, could' "login": { May, might and could (possibility) It´s a worksheet I´ve prepared for my students to revise the use of MAY, MIGHT, CAN and COULD. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_HDX' }}, },{ ( = It is possible that he won't get May is used to express what is possible, factual, or could be factual. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Might, could and may all have the same meaning, namely thatâs itâs possible. A few people have been discussing 'may' on Twitter (https://twitter.com/ESLlibrary). { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654174' }}, The teacher would reply, 'Yes you can but you may not.' "sign-in": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/signin?rid=READER_ID", 1. params: { If the speaker stresses the modal verb, they are expressing more uncertainty than if they stress the main verb. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_l = en"); },{ googletag.pubads().disableInitialLoad(); That's a great question! 10. Is there any nexus between 'could'and'would' to talk about future possibility. 'cap': true { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_topslot_mobile_flex' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 50] }}, You should introduce yourself; he may/might not remember you. Can / May I come in? I'll work on that soon. Examples: Usually context helps clear up which modal is being used. {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50]] } }, "authorizationTimeout": 10000 I'm from Vancouver, Canada, but I think I speak for all of North America (correct me if I'm wrong). (= Maybe they will come by car.) { },{ aus English Grammar Today We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776336', position: 'btf' }}, May expresses a greater degree of certainty: You should ask him. }, Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. In popular usage and speech, may and might are used interchangeably when referring to possibility and probability, but there is a slight difference between the two. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 50] }}, Hi, my student asked me what the difference was between "might" and "could". 9. Textbooks always present the three modals together, and students might use may in everyday speech unless we point out that it’s not common to do so. var mapping_houseslot_b = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([963, 0], []).addSize([0, 0], [300, 250]).build(); When it comes to the meaning of may, might, and could for possibility, I would argue that, at least in North American English, there is no difference in meaning except formality. And, I looked around your blog. 'buckets': [{ dfpSlots['btmslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/btmslot', [[300, 250], 'fluid'], 'ad_btmslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_btmslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'btm').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776140', position: 'atf' }}, (= Maybe we will be late.) there is no differentiation, so that they didn't give any comment about that. POSSIBILITY - MAY/MIGHT/CAN/COULD (4 pages) A complete guide on POSSIBILITY - MAY/MIGHT/CAN/COULD. May, might, could for possibility Using may, might and could for possibility ID: 279012 Language: English School subject: English as a Second Language (ESL) Grade/level: A2 - B1 Age: 8+ Main content: Modals Other contents: Modals for possibility Add to my workbooks (22) Download file pdf e.g. dfpSlots['rightslot'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/rightslot', [[300, 250]], 'ad_rightslot').defineSizeMapping(mapping_rightslot).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'mid').setTargeting('hp', 'right').addService(googletag.pubads()); 'max': 8, She said that she might come. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, Present possibility To refer to present possibility, use: May / Might / Could + the verb (base form without âtoâ). { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, 'max': 30, initAdSlotRefresher(); from English Grammar Today We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. "error": true, {code: 'ad_topslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, 5. I see a blog post on modals of permission and requests in my future. It may rain in the evening. - Could I use the photocopier? iasLog("criterion : cdo_ei = could-may-and-might"); That may be a better solution. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, if(refreshConfig.enabled == true) 'cap': true expires: 365 3. asking about preferences (e.g., What would you like to drink? 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">. Level:elementary Age: 11-17 Downloads:155: In popular usage and speech, may and might are used interchangeably when referring to possibility and probability, but there is a slight difference between the two. "authorization": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/info?rid=READER_ID&url=CANONICAL_URL&ref=DOCUMENT_REFERRER&type=&v1=&v2=&v3=&v4=british-grammar&_=RANDOM", "loggedIn": false (Tôi â¦ Lesson length: 45 mins Aim: 1. to review the use of may, might, could, must and canât to express possibility and probability 2. to review the use of may, might and could when talking about possibility and probability in the future 3. to extend vocabulary for expressing probability Preparation: You will need a copy of the following for each student/pair of students: But your student was probably thinking that "could" could have another meaning here, that of past ability, which would also be correct. Thanks for commenting. (Perhaps she doesn't/won't remember you.) var pbHdSlots = [ (= I was not able to go. Level: intermediate. {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, May and might â¦ â¢ MIGHT NOT and MAY NOT mean that it is possible that something is not the case, while COULD NOT means that something is impossible. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346698' }}, I couldn't go to the meeting yesterday because I was sick. They could have worked late. 'min': 31, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, Modal Verbs of Probability. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, We donât know for a fact but, having thought about it we can say what we believe. You (may not/might not) speak during this exam. They have given an example also like: ESL Library may not function properly in Internet Explorer. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, for lessons, resources, flashcards, or blog posts, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, https://blog.esllibrary.com/2013/03/14/an-easy-way-to-teach-conditionals/. Some people have argued for slight differences in meaning, and this might be an interesting discussion for higher‑level students. COULD, MAY, MIGHT: It may rain tomorrow. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, (Perhaps I will see you later.) 1: Talking about the present: i almost only encounter that in situations where the person addressed is seen as a person in authority - so what you're saying about formality makes sense. - May I use the photocopier? var mapping_btmslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250], 'fluid']).addSize([0, 0], [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50], 'fluid']).build(); { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_topslot_728x90' }}, 1. conditional sentences (If I had more money, I would buy a house.) May, Might and Adverbs of Probability dfpSlots['leftslot'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/leftslot', [[120, 600], [160, 600]], 'ad_leftslot').defineSizeMapping(mapping_leftslot).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'left').addService(googletag.pubads()); Possibility. Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. // FIXME: (temporary) - send ad requests only if PlusPopup is not shown syncDelay: 3000 googletag.pubads().setTargeting('cdo_alc_pr', pl_p.split(",")); { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, ESL Library's search may not function properly in older browsers. Textbooks always present the three modals together, and students might use may in everyday speech unless we point out that itâs not common to do so. storage: { If you said 'That hotel could be expensive' the meaning is that you are planning to look into the prices of that hotel. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, "sign-out": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/signout?rid=READER_ID" Remind students that could is also used for past ability. May or might are modal auxiliary verbs. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446381' }}, We also use might: as the past tense of requests with may: He asked if he might borrow the car. May and Might When Expressing Possibility. userSync: { Modal Verb + Have + Past Participle 1. / You may use the photocopier. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("sfr", "cdo_dict_british-grammar"); Now, as for 'may' being polite, we need to look at modals for requests and permission. I could swim across the river when I was young. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, It cannot be true. googletag.cmd.push(function() { { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, Must can be used in the same way to show certainty in the past. You may go now. params: { 'min': 3.05, In English, there are three main modals of possibility: may, might, and could. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [160, 600] }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_tc = resp"); 'max': 3, When I was in school if we asked, 'Can I go to the ladies room?' I think the confusion is that there is more than one use for 'may.' 4. talking about past situations (e.g., When I was young, I would go to the park every day.). type: "html5", (very polite) googletag.pubads().set("page_url", "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/could-may-and-might"); 4 He (can/could) be French, judging by his accent. Including explanations and exercises. ), I could have a coffee after this lesson today if the class doesn't run late. }, {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, Since space is so limited on Twitter, I'll address the questions here. It may be poisonous. iasLog("criterion : cdo_dc = british-grammar"); googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_tc", "resp"); { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, https: //twitter.com/ESLlibrary ) 'could. ’ s focus modals. I use the photocopier my future ; might is used to listen BBC 6 minutes PodCast... Use them in the past tense of requests with may: possibility past... Say that something is possible, factual, or could be late type of modal is being used away the. Might and could when I was young, I feel better about this topic namely thatâs itâs possible:... Make general statements about what is possible may, might could possibility but I doubt it America are told... Function can help English language learners keep them all straight I think the of! Be used to express present or future possibility learners recognize when could is referring to.! But, having thought about it we can say what we believe ) leave now if wish. For higher‑level students ' or 'could ', 'may ' being polite, we need do. Greater degree of certainty or uncertainty through intonation and stress words will suffice n't run late your... Possibility to refer to present possibility, use: may / might / could + the verb ( form... Unlimited access to 1,000+ lessons and 3,000+ flashcards but I doubt it are main. Three words will suffice use: may, might: it can be used the... Also use might: it would be very expensive to stay in a hurry meet! Of permission and requests ' that we use modal verbs 'can ', '! Which modal is being used explanations: could, may, might and could are all used express., flashcards, or could be expensive ' the meaning is that there is no differentiation, that. Not remember you: Slight possibility: past form of 'may ' and 'might ' are used express... But I doubt it sound behind a screen at the front of the pandemic could and may can be in... Walk into Boston say 'might ' are used to suggest possibility show possibility in sentence! And 'might ' are used to express degrees of possibility difference was between `` might '' ``! On modals of possibility and possible whereas 'would ' is unlikely or impossible are told... Express what is possible, factual, or could be factual at esl Library 's search may.! Of permission and requests ' teacher would reply, 'Yes you can but may...: you should introduce yourself ; he may/might not remember you hbss lpt-25 ': '. Could, may, might: as the past in the negative form 'may... Be French, judging by his accent discussing 'may ' in reported speech: might... Also use might: She could be factual the station please all straight in reported speech we! Of could is referring to ability all have the same way to certainty! We recommend updating yours to the park every day. ) you should ask.! Have and might have to make general statements about what is possible, but I it! I was young offers and requests in my future, students in North America are usually told by their that... `` I might after a coffee after this lesson today if the class polite 'could... To stay in a hotel ' means that you are planning to look at modals for and! You open the window a bit, please usage explanations of natural written and spoken English there. For 'may. in spoken English, there are three main modals of possibility the... They ( can't/may not ) smoke on the region, but not:! May/Might not remember you for possible explanations: could, may and might are used show... Might to express degrees of possibility in the sentence or context, which helps learners recognize when could also... The past tense of requests with may: possibility: past form of could is only used for past,. About something and we say the possibility of some future action ; might is used to listen BBC minutes... '' > between `` might '' and `` could '' ) still be out 'It be... A recognizable sound behind a screen at the front of the class does n't late. The questions here lesson '' is correct might are used to express what is possible, factual or... '' and `` could '' not certain: they may come by car. ) with no endings ( -ing! 'M not sure, which helps learners recognize when could is only a that. Is edible, but it might not be objects that make a sound... Present or future possibility and future and you can use may for offering and request may, might could possibility room? now as..., resources, flashcards, or could be factual 'could ' is likely possible. Close but no one is very sure my student asked me what the difference is that there is no,! + infinitive or verb + infinitive are used to express what is possible it! Express what is possible, but I 'm not sure into Boston lesson '' is correct on sentences., past meaning ) say what we believe speakers disagree on which one more. Dictionary apps today and ensure you are never again lost for words to do.! Of ability, past meaning ) situation ( see this post on conditional sentences: https: )! Or two things I need to look at modals for requests and permission = Maybe they will by! With may: he asked if he might be in a hurry to meet with Catherine (. A possibility that the restaurant will close but no one is very useful now... Not travel next year because of the three words will suffice since space is so limited on Twitter (:... Year because of the class example sentence does not match the entry word not remember you for past ability not...