Will be able to / Modals may and might

Will be able to

/

Modals may and might

​Will (or won't) be able to + base form:

Future ability

The doctor will be able to see you tomorrow

​=

​The doctor can see you tomorrow

​

​She won't be able to come to work this week

​=

​She can't come to work this week

May/Might (or may not/might not) + base form:

Possibility

• ​The dentist may/might arrive at the office a little late this morning

​

• ​You may not/might not need to come right away

Note: you can use be able to with may and might for possibillity or with must for drawing conclusions

• ​The doctor may be able to see you today

​

• ​I might not be able to get there till 6:00

• ​We must be able to park here. See the sign?

​

• ​They must not be able to cancel the appointment

be able to and can have the same meaning (can is not used with will)

Complete each conversation. Use might, might not, might be able to or must not be able to and the base form of each verb in parenthesis​

Fill in the Blank

A: I'd like to see aa dentist right away. I think it's an emergency

B: Well, I ___ (get) you an appointment at 2:00.

Fill in the Blank

A: Is Dr. Lin in this morning? I'm not feeling well

B: She is, but she doesn't have openings. However she ___ (have) time to see you this afternoon

Fill in the Blank

A: I think I ___ (be) a little sick this moring. I feel nauseous, and I've been vomiting

Fill in the Blank

B: Then you should see Dr. Anders. But he ___ (have) any openings today

Fill in the Blank

A: I've been calling Mr Reis for an hour. I know he's home ,but no one's answering

B: That's strange. He ___ (hear) the phone

Open Ended

Will you be able to go out for a dinner tomorrow?