ENGLISH V. UNIT 11.

THE USE OF THE VERBS MAY AND MIGHT TO

TALK ABOUT POSIBILITY, PROBABILITY AND PERMISSION.

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). May & might are used,
then, for:
- Talking about the present or future with uncertainty ex. She may be back
in her office: the lecture finished ten minutes ago.
They can also sometimes be used for talking about permission, but usually
only in formal situations. Instead of saying May I open a window? we would say
Is it all right/OK if I open a window? or Can I open a window? for example. You
might, however, see:
Ex. Students may not borrow equipment without written permission.
May
- Talking about things that can happen in certain situations ex. If the
monitors are used in poorly lit places, some users may experience headaches.
Might
- Saying that something was possible, but did not actually happen ex. You
saw me standing at the bus stop! You might have stopped
and given me a lift!

ONCE THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY READ THE PREVIOUS TEXT, DO THE
FOLLOWING EXERCISE.

Gap-fill Exercise

Complete the sentences using the words listed in the box below. Positive and negative
forms can be used. Some gaps may have more than one answer.
might must should
1. Nancy said you didn't need to buy her anything for her birthday, but I really
think you _____at least get her some flowers or a nice bottle of wine.

2. Debbie said she was really busy this week, but I think she ________show up
at the party if she doesn't have to work overtime on Friday.

3. Nina said she would come over right after work, so she ________be here by
6:00.

4. Oh my God, he's unconscious. Don't move him - he ________have internal

injuries. Somebody call an ambulance.

5. You ________be kidding! That can't be true.

6. Dan: Where's the remote control? I want to change the channel.

Fiona: I don't know. It ________be under the couch. Or, perhaps I absent-
mindedly took it into the kitchen. I'll check in there.

7. We should invite Sally and her husband to come to the picnic on Saturday. We
haven't seen them in weeks, and they ________really enjoy a nice day at the
beach.

8. Tim: While I was a student, I spent a year and a half studying Pygmy culture
in the Central African Republic. My research focused on unique aspects of the
their social structure and religion.
Simona: That ________have been absolutely fascinating!

9. We had better call Tony to see if he's at home before we go over to his house.
He ________be there and we don't want to drive all the way over there for
nothing.

10. I would love to go on the cruise to Tahiti with Robin and Michelle. But such
a luxurious trip ________cost a fortune. I doubt I could afford something like
that.

Mtra. Marsella Robles. May 26th, 2008.México.