11. Using Modals: Can, Could, May, Might

Understanding how to use modals is crucial for those aiming to reach an intermediate level in English. Modals are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. In this lesson, we will explore the modals: can, could, may, and might. Each of these modals has its unique nuances and uses, which we will examine in detail.

1. Can

The modal verb can is commonly used to express ability or capability. For example:

• I can swim. (This means I have the ability to swim.)
• She can speak three languages. (This indicates she has the capability to speak multiple languages.)

Additionally, can is used to ask for or give permission:

• Can I leave early today? (Here, someone is asking for permission to leave early.)
• You can use my phone if you need to. (In this case, permission is being given.)

It is also used to express possibility, although this is less common:

• It can get very hot in the desert. (This suggests that it is possible for the desert to become very hot.)

2. Could

Could is the past tense of can and is used to indicate past abilities:

• When I was young, I could run fast. (This indicates that the speaker was able to run fast in the past.)
• She could read when she was four years old. (This shows that she had the ability to read at a young age.)

Could is also used to make polite requests or suggestions:

• Could you please pass the salt? (This is a polite way to ask someone to pass the salt.)
• We could go to the park if you like. (This is a suggestion to go to the park.)

Furthermore, could expresses a possibility or a hypothetical situation:

• It could rain later. (This means there is a possibility of rain.)
• If we had more time, we could visit the museum. (This is a hypothetical situation indicating what they might do if there was more time.)

3. May

May is often used to express permission or to ask for permission in a formal manner:

• May I come in? (This is a formal way of asking for permission to enter.)
• You may start the exam now. (This grants permission to begin the exam.)

It is also used to express a possibility:

• We may go to the beach tomorrow. (This suggests that there is a possibility of going to the beach.)
• There may be a delay in the flight. (This indicates that a delay is possible.)

In some cases, may is used to express a wish or hope, especially in formal contexts:

• May you have a wonderful birthday! (This is a formal way of expressing a wish for a happy birthday.)

4. Might

Might is often used to express a smaller possibility than may:

• It might rain today. (This suggests a lower chance of rain compared to using may.)
• He might come to the party. (This indicates that there is a possibility he will attend the party, but it is not certain.)

Like could, might is also used in hypothetical situations:

• If I had more money, I might travel around the world. (This is a hypothetical situation indicating a possible action if the condition were met.)

In addition, might can be used to make polite requests or suggestions, though this is less common:

• You might want to check the weather before leaving. (This is a polite suggestion to check the weather.)

Comparing the Modals

While can and could are often used for abilities and possibilities, may and might tend to focus more on permissions and possibilities. The difference between may and might in terms of possibility is often subtle, with might suggesting a slightly less certain possibility.

Another point of comparison is formality. May is generally more formal than can when asking for permission, while could is more polite than can when making requests.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of these modals, try the following exercises:

1. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate modal (can, could, may, might):
• ______ I use your phone to make a call?
• When she was younger, she ______ dance beautifully.
• We ______ go to the concert if we finish our work on time.
• It ______ snow tomorrow, so take your coat just in case.
2. Rewrite the sentences using a different modal to change the meaning slightly:
• She can drive a car. (Change to express a past ability)
• We may visit the museum. (Change to suggest a smaller possibility)

By understanding and practicing the use of these modals, you will be able to express yourself more clearly and accurately in English. Remember that the context often determines which modal is most appropriate, so pay attention to the nuances of each situation.

With consistent practice, using modals will become second nature, enhancing both your spoken and written English skills. Keep exploring different contexts and examples to deepen your understanding of these versatile auxiliary verbs.