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Grammar (Fach) / modal verbs (Lektion)
may might can could
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- to suggest something is possible formal may
- to suggest a small possibility of something more usual might
- a small possibility in the past might have He might have tried to call while I was out
- something to do when there is no better alternative: I... as well go shopping - I've got nothing else to do. might and may
- annoyance: You... at least say you're sorry! might / could
- to talk about possibility to talk about ability ask for and give permission for offers, requests and instructions can
- use with see, hear, feel, smell, taste to talk about something which is happening now can
- use the negative form for deduction: You ... be hungry. You've just eaten. can't
- is the past form of can could
- to make polite requests to suggest a small possibility of something if we use it to reply a request, it suggests that we do not really want to do it: I ... help you if it's really necessary. could
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- past possibility which did not happen: we... have won the game, but Joe missed a penalty. might / could
- to express concession: He ... have failed his degree, but he's earning much more than me. may / might
- a formal offer: ... I be of assistance? may
- a informal offer: ...I carry that for you? can
- in the negative form; to express certainty: She... be more than about 20 years old. can't / couldn't
- ask for permission: ...I open the window? can / could
- a formal permission: ...I ask a personal question? may
- ability or inability: I ... understand some Italian, but I ... speak it very well. can / can't
- to express criticism: She ... say some very hurtful things sometimes. can
- to express prohibition: No, you ... go to the party ond saturday. can't
- ability or inability in the past: My grandfather ... play the piano. could / couldn't
- to talk about an ability to do something on one occasion in the past, we don't use could. We use... instead: I...to speak to Frank last night. managed to was / were able to succeeded in
- to express permission or prohibition in the past: when I was at school the boys... wear earrings, but the girls... couldn't / could
- permission to do something on one occasion in the past, ... has to be used: I ... to leave work early yesterday. was allowed to be allowed to