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← Grammar reference

MODALITY

May and might

One form for every person, followed by the base verb. Use them when something is possible but not sure, and may I to ask for permission.

Learn this topic Practice all
I / you / he / she / it / we / they
+She may come / She might come
−She may not come / She might not come
?May I come in?

No -s after he / she / it: she may · No to: may come · Past: may have come · No mayn't, no do / does: she may not, not she doesn't may.

A2

Something that is possible

New

Use may or might when something is possible but not sure, now or later. Might sounds a little less sure than may.

subject+ may / might+ base verb

  • It may rain this afternoon.
  • We might go to the cinema tonight.
  • She mays come later.
  • She may come later.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

He might late today.

A2

Maybe or may be

New

Maybe is one word: an adverb that means "perhaps", usually at the start. May be is two words: the modal may and the verb be.

Maybe+ subject+ verb

  • Maybe it will snow tomorrow.
  • The shop may be closed today.
  • May be she is at home.
  • Maybe she is at home.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

One word is in the wrong form. Type the correct form.

May be it is too late.

B1

May not and might not

New

Make the negative with not after may or might. Do not use do / does, and do not use mayn't.

subject+ may / might+ not+ base verb

  • She may not know the answer.
  • It might not be true.
  • She doesn't may like it.
  • She may not like it.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

I have time tomorrow. I will check.

B1

May I … ? for permission

New

Use May I + base verb to ask for permission politely, especially in formal situations. Answer Yes, you may. or No, you may not.

May+ I+ base verb+ …?

  • May I sit here?
  • May I ask a question?
  • May I to open the window?
  • May I open the window?

Quick Check

1/4

Choose the form

May I leave early today? – No, you  .

B1

Possibility in the past

New

Use may have or might have + past participle for something that was possible in the past but you are not sure it happened.

subject+ may / might have+ past participle

  • She might have missed the bus.
  • They may have forgotten the key.
  • He may forgot his keys.
  • He may have forgotten his keys.

Quick Check

1/4

Choose the form

The lights are off. They   home.