Page 18 - New Medley 5 Semester 2

5. He for admission in a good college before the new session begins in

colleges in this state. (Apply—future perfect tense)

Modals

We have already learnt about auxiliary (helping) verbs like can, could, will, would, may
and might.

These auxiliary verbs help the main verbs. Besides this, they can also be used to convey

more than one sense, such as possibility, probability, ability or capacity. They are called
modals or modal auxiliaries.

Examples: 1. Ritu sang very well. She may win the first prize. (Showing
possibility)

2. May I go to the canteen, madam? (Seeking permission in a
polite way)

3. He might be at home, but I’m not sure. (Showing lesser
possibility)

4. She can swim for an hour at a stretch. (Showing ability)

5. Could you lend me your stapler? (Indicating a polite request)

May, Might

May as a modal verb is used to seek permission formally.

Example: May I go to the school office as soon as the bell rings for break, Madam?
I have to deposit my fee cheque.

May is also used to show the greater possibility of something happening, whereas might
is used to show a lesser possibility.

Examples: 1. Deepak may meet the manager of this bank. He
has got an appointment for the meeting today.

2. You might see her next week, if she comes to this
place.

Can, Could

We use both can and could to seek permission, like may. ‘Can’ is often used in place of
‘may’ in spoken English while talking informally. ‘Could’, however, is more polite than

‘can’ to seek permission.
‘Could’ is the past form of ‘can’, but it can be used both in the present and the past tense.

16