Can / Could / May / Might

When is it appropriate to use 'might' instead of 'may'?

• Use 'might' when the possibility is uncertain or less likely, e.g., 'I might go to the party if I finish my work.'

• Use 'might' when expressing a strong certainty about an event.

• Use 'might' only in formal writing contexts.

• Use 'might' when referring to past events.

When should you use 'may'?

• 'May' is used to express permission or possibility, often in a formal context.

• 'May' is used to indicate a strong obligation or necessity.

• 'May' is used to express a future intention or plan.

• 'May' is used to show a lack of certainty or doubt.

What does 'might' indicate in a sentence?

• 'Might' suggests a higher probability than 'may'.

• 'Might' indicates certainty in a statement.

• 'Might' suggests a lower probability than 'may' and is often used for hypothetical situations.

• 'Might' is used exclusively in past tense.

What is an example of using 'can' in a sentence?

• 'Can you pass the salt, please?' is a request for help.

• 'I can swim very well.'

• 'Can you tell me the time?'

• 'He can play the guitar.'

What is the difference between 'can' and 'could'?

• 'Can' is used to express ability or permission in the present, while 'could' is used for past ability or polite requests.

• 'Can' is used for past ability, while 'could' is used for present ability.

• 'Can' is used to express a possibility, while 'could' is used for certainty.

• 'Can' is used for polite requests, while 'could' is used for commands.

How do you use 'could' to make a suggestion?

• You can say, 'We could go to the park if the weather is nice.' to suggest an option.

• You can say, 'I could go to the store later.' to make a statement.

• You can say, 'Could you help me with this?' to ask for help.

• You can say, 'We could have gone yesterday.' to express regret.

How can 'can' be used to express ability?

• You can say, 'I can swim' to indicate that you have the ability to swim.

• You can say, 'I can swim' to indicate that you are willing to swim.

• You can say, 'I can swim' to indicate that you are allowed to swim.

• You can say, 'I can swim' to indicate that you want to swim.

What is the difference in formality between 'can' and 'may'?

• 'Can' is more formal than 'may'.

• 'May' is more formal than 'can' and is often used in official or polite contexts.

• There is no difference in formality between 'can' and 'may'.

• 'Can' is used in official contexts while 'may' is used in casual contexts.

What is the polite way to ask for something using 'could'?

• Could I have a glass of water, please?

• Can I get a glass of water?

• Would you mind giving me a glass of water?

• May I have a glass of water?

Can 'could' be used to express possibility?

• Yes, 'could' can express a possibility, especially in hypothetical situations, e.g., 'It could happen.'

• No, 'could' is only used for past actions.

• Yes, but only in formal writing.

• 'Could' is used exclusively for making requests.