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C1 · Advanced15 min

Advanced modal verbs: can / be able to, may / might

Syllabus topic 4: Advanced modal verbs: can / be able to, may / might

Advanced modal verbs: can / be able to, may / might. Can expresses ability and general possibility, while may/might commonly express a specific uncertain possibility.

How it works

Can expresses ability and general possibility, while may/might commonly express a specific uncertain possibility. Use be able to where can lacks a form. May/might as well recommends a reasonable available option; might have can express past possibility or criticism depending on context. Concessive may acknowledges a point before a contrast.

Examples in context

Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.

  • We may as well leave; nobody else is coming.
  • She hopes to be able to attend.
  • He may be inexperienced, but he learns quickly.
  • You might have warned me! (criticism of an omission)
  • Winters here can be severe. (general possibility)

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We may as ___ leave; nobody else is coming.

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