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    Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #108301: May, Might, Should... what they mean...





    > Other English exercises on the same topics: Speaking | Tales | Modals [Change theme]
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    May, Might, Should... what they mean...


    For beginners in English, it's always difficult to be able to choose the right modal auxiliaries spontaneously ...

     

                  

     

    First, you have to understand that they are not ordinary verbs but auxiliaries enabling the speaker to give an opinion or a judgement about the action expressed by the main verb. Each one of these auxiliaries brings a special nuance to the verb it precedes.

    ex : He can swim= he knows how to swim; he may swim/be swimming=  he's allowed to swim/Perhaps he's swimming ; he might swim = I'm not sure at all, but perhaps, he's swimming; he must swim = he's certainly swimming (since he's not drowning) ; he should swim = it would be a good idea for him to swim ; He could swim if he wanted to= He would be able to swim; he didn't swim ... =  negative form.

    In this lesson, we'll concentrate on the auxiliaries giving information about the degree of certainty, or uncertainty of an action. 

     

    DEGREES  OF UNCERTAINTY
    => VALUES/NUANCES 
    		AUXILIARIES and EXAMPLES: 
    It's almost certain.
    => NEAR-CERTAINTY    		MUST
    - He must be shy as he doesn't know anyone in the group.
    = I'm almost certain that he's feeling shy because he knows nobody in the group.
    It's a little less certain
    =>     POTENTIAL  
    		WILL
    - He will     be shy as he doesn't know anyone in the group.
    = He will be shy because he knows nobody in the     group; that's a possibility.
    It's really less certain
    => ADVICE/REPROACH      		SHOULD
    - He should be shy as he doesn't know anyone in the group.
    = I'm not certain, but I think he'll be shy     because he knows nobody in the group.
    It's really less certain
    => PROBABILITY
    		MAY
    - He may     be shy as he doesn't know anyone in the group.
    = It's possible for him to be shy     because he knows nobody in the group.
    It's really less certain
    => POSSIBILITY    		COULD
    - He could     be shy as he doesn't know anyone in the group.
    = He'd have good reasons to be shy     because he knows nobody in the group.
    It's quite improbable or impossible
    => STRONG     IMPROBABILITY
    		MIGHT 
    - He might     be shy as he doesn't know anyone in the group.
    = Perhaps he'll be shy     because he knows nobody in the group.
    It's inconceivable or impossible 
    => IMPOSSIBILITY    		CAN'T
    - He can't     be shy as he knows a lot of people in the group.
    = B    eing shy is impossible for him because he knows everybody in the group.

       Simple NEGATION- He isn't shy, for sure.
                            

     

                                        


    In the sentences of part 1, give 'the value' or 'nuance' of the modals which are used. In the following part,  the 'value' or 'nuance' is given and you must choose the appropriate form of the modal form.







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    1) Look at the sky it may rain in an hour or so.

    We should leave before it pours.

    No need to worry, I will take my raincoat, and you will take your umbrella.

    If necessary, we'll find a shelter! Therefore, we can't be wet!


    'Before we go out, you (advice) tidy up the mess in your room.

    If not, your mother decide (possibility) that she's had enough of it,

    and (strong improbability) all your things away...'

    - 'My mother (impossibility in the past) that !

    She (near-certainty) more tolerant than yours...'

    - 'Well, my room is my Kingdom, and I'm my own King!' You (advice) your own King in your kingdom, too ! '









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