This lesson focuses on modals will, may, might. To form, simply combine the modal and present participle.
May and Might
The modals may and might are used when expressing what might occur in the future. Both can be used to express actions in the future or the present.
Present
I might have some flour in the pantry.
Future
They may leave tomorrow.
May and might function as modals such as can, will and should. Therefore, the same rules apply.
- No need to add ‘s’ to the third person singular.
Correct: He may attend.
Incorrect: He mays attend.
Correct: She might cry.
Incorrect: She mights cry.
- The negative form is: may / might + not.
He may not attend the meeting.
She might not buy the book.
- The question form is: may / might + subject. However, using might in forming questions is not very common.
Might she be hungry?
- To make requests, May can be used with ‘I’ or ‘we’. However, it is more common to use can and could.
May I have some water?
May we eat the sandwiches?
- The modals may and might are always followed by the infinitive form of the verbs.
Correct: I might sing.
Incorrect: I might to sing.
Correct: She might stay.
Incorrect: She might staying.
Will + Probability Adverbs
You can combine will and won’t and some adverbs to express the probability of a future event happening.
I’ll possibly cook something for dinner.
You’ll probably cook something for dinner.
She’ll definitely cook something for dinner
He’ll certainly cook something for dinner.
- Remember that Will / ‘ll comes before the adverb and won’t comes after.
I’ll probably watch a movie later.
I probably won’t watch a movie later.
Will May Might Modals Exercise
Answer this exercise on will, may, might modals.
1. ______ I go to your house tonight?
a. Might
b. May
2. _____ some cookies later.
a. I’ll probably bake
b. I’ll bake probably
3. They ______ to their friends’ advice.
a. probably won’t listen
b. won’t listen probably
4. I don’t know where your socks are. They _____ in the drawer.
a. might be
b. may be
5. She ______ her baby.
a. will certainly look after
b. certainly won’t look after
6. _____ I have your attention, please?
a. May
b. Might
7. I ______ the meeting on Thursday.
a. may attend
b. might attend
8. You _____ without me. It’s okay.
a. may start
b. will possibly start
9. Students ______ for free.
a. might study
b. may study
10. The team _____ overtime today.
a. will probably work
b. may work
Find the answers to this exercise here.
See also: Modals of Deduction and Speculation and Modals Continuous: Past and Present
For additional information on this topic, check out this British Council lesson.
For other English grammar lessons, go to this page.