Let us Learn the Model Verb ‘CAN’
- Can is a model verb, not a main verb.
- It expresses modality, such as possibility, necessity, ability, certainty, and permission.
- It modifies the meaning of another verb.
Syntax:
Subject + Can + Verb
Examples:
- Ability: I can speak English.
- Possibility: It can rain tomorrow.
- Permission: You can go now.
- Certainty: That can only happen.
Features of a Model Verb:
- No -s, -ing, or -ed form
- No infinitive form
- No "ed" form; only could, should, would, might
Practice:
- Identify the usage of "can" in context
- Present ability
- Past ability
- Polite request
- Possibility
Please complete the following sentences:
1. She _________ speaks three languages clearly.
2. My mom ____ plays the piano beautifully.
Let us be friends with Model Verb ‘May’
May
is a model verb, not a main
Verb
·
Expresses modality
degrees of (possibility, certainty, and permission.
· Modify the meaning of another verb.
Syntax
Subject + May + Verb
Question Sentence
Examples
Ø Possibility: It may rain tomorrow.
Ø Permission: You may go now.
Ø Formal/Polite May I help you?
Ø Uncertainty: That may happen.
Features of a Model Verb
Ø No
-s, ing ed form
Ø No
infinitive form
Ø No
‘ed form’ Only could, should, would, might.
Might:
A bit weaker than ‘may’
Ø Possibility: It might Snow tomorrow.
Ø Past Possibility :(with ‘have’) It might have been better.
Ø Un-Certainty: He might be late
Key differences:
1. Certainty:
"May" implies a slightly higher possibility than "might."
2. Permission:
"May" is
more formal/polite than "can."
3. Tense:
"Might" is often
used in conditional or past contexts.
Examples:
1. "You may leave early."
(permission)
2. "It may rain."
(possibility)
3. "May I join you?"
(polite request)
4. "It might be rainy."
(possibility)
5. "He might have forgotten." (past possibility)
Practice:
Fill in the blanks with "may" or "might":
1. __ it be possible to finish early?
2. You __ go to the party if you
want.
3. __ Will she be available to meet
tomorrow?
4. It __ will rain later, so bring an
umbrella.
5. They __ have called, but I missed it.
Answers:
1. Might
2. May
3. May
4. Might
5. Might have