Can, May & Might

Teacher Maria Clara

These three words in English can cause a little
confusion. So, let's try to change that by practicing
with them!

"Can" - Mental or physical ability to do something

or ask about the possibility of doing something.
“Can you play the violin?” (Do you know how to
play the violin?)

"May" - Authorization or permission to do

something.
“May I please use your stapler?”
"Can I borrow your book?“
"May I borrow your book?"
Which do you think is correct?
If you use “Can I…”, you are literally asking if you
have the ability to take the book from the person, go
out with it and return it later.
If you use “May I…”, you are asking for permission
to use the book and return it later.
So, in a formal situation, “May I…” is the best
choice here. Your ability is assumed, so you should
just ask for permission. Right? However, as we
discussed, it would not be uncommon to hear a
native English speaker asking: Can I borrow your
book? It is less formal to ask this way.
"May" and "might" are easier to differentiate.
In addition to being a request for permission, the word "may"
also refers to something that is possible to happen.
"Might" has a similar meaning, but it refers to something less
likely to happen. It is a small difference, but it is still different.

“Do you think it will rain tonight? I don’t know, it might.”

(Very small chance)
“Your head is warm. You may be coming down with a cold.
“(A possibility)

The word you choose depends on what level of certainty you

have about the situation, and there is no right or wrong answer
for which to use.
Complete the sentences using CAN, MAY or MIGHT

I _____ speak French well.

 
_____I help you?
 
The Queen _____ visit tomorrow.
 
_____ I close the door?
 
I _____ go on holiday to Spain.
 
I _____ drive.
_____ I eat the last apple?
I _____ run faster than my brother.
 
I _____ eat steak tonight.
 
I _____ live to be more than a hundred years old.
 
I _____ swim.
 
My mother _____ telephone me today.
 
I _____ win the lottery this weekend.
 
_____ I kiss you?
 
I _____ see Brad Pitt when I am in Hollywood.
 
I _____ see the sea from my apartment.
 
We _____ ind aliens on Mars.
Complete the sentences below by using ‘may(not)’ and ‘might(not)’ to describe possibility.

1.There are some dark clouds in the sky.[may]

2.It’s nine-thirty and Jack feels tired. [might]

3.My class starts soon, but I’m not sure where the classroom is. [may not]

4.Sarah has some money and she is at a clothing store. [might]

5.Kelly and Jenny are friends, but they live in different cities. They are both traveling to
Washington this summer.[may]

6.It’s cold outside, but James isn’t wearing a jacket. [might]

7.My brother is at a restaurant and he feels a little hungry. [may]

8.I should go to work today, but I feel a little sick. [might not]