HANDOUT: Modal Auxiliary Verbs (Might)

must

Teacher: Mr. Alex Reyes B.

Grade: 12th.

Students name: ________________________

Date: March 18th, 2014.

UNIT 1: LOVE: Love in writing.

CAN - COULD - MAY - MIGHT - WILL - SHALL - WOULD - MUST - SHOULD - OUGHT TO

WHAT ARE "MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS"?

They are verbs which 'help' other verbs to express a meaning: it is important to realize that "modal
verbs" have no meaning by themselves. However, they help other verbs express ideas about the
past, the present and the future.
A few basic grammatical rules apply to modal verbs:
1)- The negative is formed simply by adding "NOT" after the verb.
AFFIRMATIVE:

You should do that

NEGATIVE:

You should NOT do that.

2)- Questions are formed by inversion of the verb and subject.

INTERROGATIVE:

SHOULD you do that?

3)- Modal verbs NEVER change form: you can NEVER add an "-s" or "-ed", for example.
WRONG

He musts study harder for his examinations.

RIGHT

He must study harder ...

WRONG

He musted be more patient with his students.

RIGHT

He had to be more patient ...

4)- Modal verbs are NEVER followed by to, with the exception of ought to.
You should TO get up earlier.

I will TO go to the USA.

They may TO need some help.

It could TO happen again.

ETC.

WHAT SORT OF MEANINGS DO MODALS GIVE TO OTHER VERBS?

ABILITY

Can (Cant)

Could (Couldnt):

I can speak Chinese.

I could speak Chinese when I lived in China.

They cant drive a car.

They couldnt drive a car five years ago.

Can you drive a car?

Could you drive a car when you were 15?

MAKING REQUESTS/ASKING PERMISSION

Can / Could / May

Can/Could /May you give me a ring at about 10?

Can/Could/May I ask you a question?

Can/Could/May you speak up a bit please?

Can/Could/May I open the door?

COULD is slightly more formal/polite than CAN. And MAY is slightly more formal/polite than COULD.

POSSIBILITY

May / Might

May & Might sometimes have virtually the same meaning. They are used to talk about possibilities
in the past, present or future. ("Could" is also sometimes used).
MAY is sometimes a little bit "more sure" (50% chance); whereas MIGHT expresses more doubt
(maybe only a 30% chance).
It may rain tomorrow. It is cloudy and windy.
I may go shopping tonight, I haven't decided yet.
England might win the World Cup, you never know.
EXERCISES. COMPLETE:
1) _____________ you help me, pls?
2) When I was young, I __________ run very fast.
3) She is not here, but she __________ show up later.
4) We ___________ pay the loan this month. We dont have enough money.
5) Chile ___________ become a developed country one day. You never know.
6) She ____________ be the winner. She sings awfully.
7) Excuse me sir, __________ I get you something to drink?
8) I ___________ solve any geometry problems easily.

9) Manuel, _______ you shut the door, pls?

10) I ______________ go. I was too busy.

The modal verb MIGHT

I.- What do these sentences have in common:
1.- I am afraid you might reject me.

________________________

2.- If we tried hard enough we might stop time for ever.

________________________

3.- Might I ask you to come back really soon?

________________________

4.- We might go to the Lake District and cruise the lakes.

________________________

II.- Which sentence expresses the following?

a. A condition.

b. A possibility

c. A request

d. A suggestion

III.- What do these sentences express:

1.- She might be in another class.

________________________

2.- Might I go with you?

________________________

3.- If I had time I might help you.

________________________

4.- When you are in London you might visit the London Eye.

________________________

5.- There are times when you might not agree with me.

________________________

6.- We might climb volcanoes and cross cold rivers.

________________________

7.- I might tell you that you are the greatest marvel of all ages.

________________________

8.- If I were clever I might describe how you unite in yourself

the beauties of form and song.

________________________

Note: The modal verb Might can be used to express all four options, but it is most commonly
used to express Possibility and Condition.
IV.- Match the sentences in Column A in the chart with what they express in Column B:
A

She might miss the train if she comes late.

A condition.

Excuse me, might you speak a little louder please?

A possibility.

We might stay at home and watch a film if you want.

If the plants dont get enough water they might die.

A request.

A suggestion.
The teacher said it was optional we might read it if we want.

V.- Write one sentence for each situation:

1.- Your foreign friend is visiting your area and asks you to suggest a place to visit.
2.- You want to borrow your sisters /brothers brand new T-shirt.
3.- You want to ask your mother if she knows where your favourite jeans are.
4.- Your cousin wants to know what food to buy for his / her birthday party.

VI.- Re-write these sentences using Might:

1. It is possible that Patrick and Camille will marry.
2. I suggest you to invite Patrick and Camille to visit Nerudas house.
3. Maybe Patrick will take Camille to the cinema.
4. It is possible that Patrick and Camille will travel to Paris.

VII.- Now that Carolina has left her pets in good hands, she is planning her holiday activities.
Look at her diary and see what activities she might do. Write the sentences below:
MONDAY
Arrival, unpack, phone Gloria
TUESDAY
Visit Christ the Redeemer or
Sugarloaf
WEDNESDAY
Go to Ipanema or Copacabana beach
THURSDAY
Visit the botanical gardens or the
national park
FRIDAY
Take a bus to Florianopolis or to
Buzios
SATURDAY
A boat ride or hang gliding

SUNDAY
Flight back and arrival home