Publisher's Synopsis
REVISED EDITION -- NOV 10, 2020 ---- Modal Auxiliary Verb (or 'Modal Verb' or 'Modal Auxiliary') is a verb that is used with another verb (not a modal verb) to express ability, intention, necessity, obligation, permission, possibility, probability, etc. English modal auxiliary verbs - may, might, can, could, will, would, shall, should, must, need, used(to), ought(to), dare different patterns and examples may and might are used to express- possibility, compulsion, obligation, probability (in present and future) can, could are used to express- ability, probability, possibility, suggestion, request, condition will, would are used to express- action in future, present habit, compulsion, obligation shall, should are used to express- action in future, suggestion, surprise, importance or purpose need is used to express necessity used(to) is used to express- past habit ought(to) is used to express- probability, recommendation, obligation, advise dare is used to express- be brave enough to Sample This: -- Modal Auxiliary Verb -- May and Might -- Uses of 'May' and 'Might' -- (1). Possibility/Probability-- It may rain day after tomorrow. [= Perhaps it will rain day after tomorrow. OR It is possible that it will rain day after tomorrow.] He may have caught the train. [= Perhaps he caught the train. OR It is possible that he caught the train.] (2). To say what the purpose of something is-- Many people flatter that they may win favor. [= Many people flatter in order to win favor.] They ran so that they might arrive in time. [= They ran in order to arrive in time.] (3). To admit that something is true before introducing another point, argument, etc.-- It may not be wise, but using force may be lawful. [= Although it is not wise, but using force may be lawful.] (4). To express wishes and hopes-- May you live prosperous life! May you have a good time! My teacher blessed me that I might succeed in my exams. (5). To give or refuse Permission [In Informal and Polite Way]-- You may not withdraw money from your bank account. [= You are not allowed to withdraw money from your bank account.] (6). To seek Permission [In Informal and Polite Way]-- May I borrow your book for two days? (Yes, you may.) May I come in? (No, you may not.) Difference between 'May' and 'Might'-- 'Might' is the past equivalent of 'may' in indirect speech. 'Might' is very polite and formal. It is not common. It is mostly used in indirect questions.-- I wonder if I might work on your computer.-- But it is used in the same way as 'may' to talk about the present or future. 'Might' is used as less positive version of 'May'. 'May' denotes more possibility/probability. 'Might' denotes less possibility/probability. May I use your mobile phone? Might I use your mobile phone? (= A diffident way of saying 'May I use your mobile phone?') 'Might' is also used to express a degree of dissatisfaction or reproach; as, You might pick up an argument with him! You might have picked up an argument with him! 'Might' has limitation while 'asking permission'-- Note: Avoid using 'might' to seek or give permission. [Prefer to use 'may'] Avoid using 'might not' to refuse permission. [Prefer to use 'may not']. Using 'might' to seek or give permission is very formal and is not used very often.-- Might I ask your address? Might I offer you something to eat? [Exception: You can use 'might' to give permission or 'might not' to refuse permission in "indirect speech"] He asked me whether he might stay in my house. Note: 'Maybe' is an adverb. ['Maybe' means 'perhaps'] -- Maybe he came to know something secret and was removed from the post.