#1  
Old 01-Dec-2007, 18:17
Newbie
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 17
Member Type: Student or Learner
Question How to use Modal verbs

Hi

I am the new comer to this forum. Hope to get a great support from you.

I have a big confusion in using modal verbs.

1. Where to use May and Might ? What is the difference between them ?

2. Where to use Will and Would ? What is the difference between them ?

3. Where to use Shall and Should ? What is the difference between them ?

4. Where to use Can and Could ? What is the difference between them ?

It would be great if i got the explanations with examples

Thanks in Advance,
Vetty
  #2  
Old 01-Dec-2007, 19:59
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 465
Member Type: English Teacher
Default Re: How to use Modal verbs

This should help you: ENGLISH PAGE - Modal Verb Tutorial
  #3  
Old 02-Dec-2007, 04:35
Newbie
Threadstarter  
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 17
Member Type: Student or Learner
Default Re: How to use Modal verbs

Yes I go through that tutorial

But still i am not so clear using these verbs

For eg:

1. The members of the organization agree that I may join it.
The members of the organization agreed that I might join it.

2. It may rain.
It might rain.

Can you please tell me the difference between May and Might for the above examples ?

  #4  
Old 02-Dec-2007, 08:00
Editor, UsingEnglish.com
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 34,371
Home Country: UK
Native Language: British English
Current Location: Philippines
Member Type: English Teacher
Default Re: How to use Modal verbs

It may rain - good or reasonable chance of rain
It might rain- possible, but less likely

  #5  
Old 02-Dec-2007, 09:01
RonBee's Avatar
Moderator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,539
Home Country: United States
Native Language: American English
Current Location: United States
Member Type: Other
Default Re: How to use Modal verbs

1. The members of the organization agree that I may join it. --You have permission to join.
2. The members of the organization agreed that I might join it. --There is a possibility that you will join.


~R
  #6  
Old 03-Dec-2007, 16:20
Newbie
Threadstarter  
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 17
Member Type: Student or Learner
Default Re: How to use Modal verbs

Great

Before I got these explanations, I thought that "Might" is the past tense of "May", just like "Could" is the past tense of "Can".

Now I think I understand better.

Thanks
  #7  
Old 04-Dec-2007, 06:02
RonBee's Avatar
Moderator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,539
Home Country: United States
Native Language: American English
Current Location: United States
Member Type: Other
Default Re: How to use Modal verbs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vetty View Post
Great

Before I got these explanations, I thought that "Might" is the past tense of "May", just like "Could" is the past tense of "Can".

Now I think I understand better.

Thanks
You're welcome.

__________________________________________________ _________________

Yes I go through that tutorial -- I went through that tutorial OR I took that tutorial

But still i am not so clear using these verbs -- But I am still not sure how to use....

Closed Thread

Bookmarks

Tags
modal verbs


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
A tool which analyses passive/active vocab, modal verbs... PurpleHellcat Text Analysis and Statistics 2 07-May-2007 00:12
Modal verbs and Modal auxiliary verbs zoobinshid Ask a Teacher 2 26-Sep-2005 08:59
modal verbs Anonymous Ask a Teacher 1 22-Oct-2003 04:28


All times are GMT. The time now is 04:47.



Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO ©2011, Crawlability, Inc.