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Modal verbs are small but mighty! These auxiliary verbs (can, could, may, might, should, would, etc.) help us express possibility, permission, ability, necessity, and more. Despite their importance, they can often confuse learners due to their multiple meanings and subtle differences in use. In this post, we’ll explore how to use ‘can’, ‘could’, ‘may’, and ‘might’ correctly, with plenty of examples and tips to make them easier to understand.

1. ‘Can’ – Expressing Ability and Permission

‘Can’ is one of the most commonly used modal verbs. It’s typically used to express:

• Ability: What someone is able to do.
• Permission: Asking for or granting permission.

Examples of ‘Can’:

• Ability:
  • I can speak three languages.
  • She can swim like a champion.
• Permission:
  • Can I use your phone?
  • You can leave early today.

In more formal contexts, especially when granting permission, ‘may’ is often preferred. But ‘can’ is widely used in informal conversations.

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2. ‘Could’ – Past Ability and Polite Requests

‘Could’ is the past form of ‘can’, but it’s also used in other contexts. These include:

• Past ability: Talking about what someone was able to do in the past.
• Polite requests: Making a request in a more polite or formal manner.
• Possibility: Discussing things that are less certain or less probable.

Examples of ‘Could’:

• Past Ability:
  • When I was younger, I could run five miles without stopping.
  • She could speak French when she lived in Paris.
• Polite Requests:
  • Could you please help me with this?
  • Could I borrow your car for a day?
• Possibility:
  • We could go to the park if it stops raining.
  • He could be the next manager, but it’s not certain.

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3. ‘May’ – Expressing Permission and Possibility

‘May’ is often used to express:

• Permission: Asking for or giving permission in a more formal or polite way than ‘can’.
• Possibility: Discussing something that is likely or probable but not guaranteed.

Examples of ‘May’:

• Permission:
  • May I leave now?
  • You may begin the test once you’re ready.
• Possibility:
  • There may be a delay in the flight.
  • We may visit the museum tomorrow if we have time.

Note: ‘May’ is more formal than ‘can’ when asking for permission, so use it in professional or polite settings.

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4. ‘Might’ – Expressing Less Certain Possibility

‘Might’ is used similarly to ‘may’, but it usually refers to a less certain possibility. It suggests something is possible, but the speaker is less sure about it.

Examples of ‘Might’:

• Possibility:
  • I might go to the movies later, but I haven’t decided yet.
  • She might be home by 5 PM.

Tip: Use ‘might’ when you’re unsure about something, or when you want to express that the possibility is weak.

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Key Differences: ‘May’ vs. ‘Might’

Both ‘may’ and ‘might’ express possibility, but ‘might’ is generally more uncertain or tentative. For example:

• ‘May’: It may rain later today. (It’s possible, but we expect it more strongly.)
• ‘Might’: It might rain later today. (It’s possible, but I’m less sure.)

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How to Choose the Right Modal Verb

Now that we’ve covered each of these modal verbs, here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right one:

• Use ‘can’ for abilities and informal permissions.
• Use ‘could’ for past abilities, polite requests, or less certain possibilities.
• Use ‘may’ for formal permissions or more likely possibilities.
• Use ‘might’ for expressing something less likely or more uncertain.

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Conclusion

Modal verbs are incredibly useful for expressing a variety of ideas about ability, permission, and possibility. Understanding when to use ‘can’, ‘could’, ‘may’, and ‘might’ can help you speak and write more clearly in English. Practice by using these verbs in different situations, and soon they’ll feel like second nature!