CERMIN HATI

Modal Auxiliaries (Can/ Could, May/ Might) Part 2

(source: Mulyono.2010. English Alive. Yudhistira: Jakarta.)

Modal auxiliary verbs give more information about the function of the main verb that follows it. Modals are always followed by the base form of a verb or auxiliary verb. Modals are always the same form no matter what the subject is. Modal “can” can be used for indicating the statements of ability and permission. Modal “could” can be used for indicating the statements of past ability, polite permission, and little possibility. Modal “may” can be used for indicating the statements of probability, formal permission, and wish. Modal “might” can be used for indicating the past of modal “may” and possibility statement.

1) Can

a) Ability, example: he can drive a car.

b) Permission, example: can I go now?

2) Could

a) past Ability, example: my father could play tennis when he was young.

b) More polite way of asking permission, example: could you help me now?

c) Little Possibility, example: he could be at home now, but he usually plays badminton in the afternoon.

4) Might

a) Past of May, example: he thought that she might be late.

b) Possibility, example: please give his book back, he might need it.