May (might)

1. Possibility due to circumstances.

1. One may still hear this expression used by older people.

2. On fine mornings one may see strips of fog down in the valley. It’s a sign of good weather coming.

Exercise 1.

Paraphrase the sentences using the verb ‘may’.

1. It’s possible to see the city from the top of a bus.

2. It’s possible to get to the centre of the city by the underground.

3. It’s possible to buy a ticket at the railway station.

4. It’s possible to get the book from our Institute.

5. It’s possible for anyone to be wrong.

6. It’s possible for anyone to make mistakes.

7. It’s possible for anyone to be sick.

8. It’s possible to see many beautiful buildings in the city.

9. It’s possible to buy this book at any bookstore.

10. It’s possible to go skiing there.

11. It’s possible to spend a quiet evening at home.

12. It’s possible for us to read for our exams together.

13. It’s possible for us to go shopping together.

14. It’s possible to see the sea from here in good weather.

15. It’s possible to walk miles in this district without seeing a house.

Exercise 2.

Translate into English.

1. В этой модели предложения можно употреблять и инфинитив, и герундий.

2. На острове можно найти семь видов грибов.

3. В ясную погоду отсюда можно увидеть университет.

4. Это можно объяснить влиянием родного языка.

5. В это время его всегда можно видеть в читальном зале.

6. Студенты могут сдавать экзамены досрочно.

7. Многого можно достигнуть тренировкой.

8. Хорошего произношения можно добиться только упорной работой.

9. Эту книгу можно взять в любой библиотеке.

10. В этой модели инфинитив можно употреблять с частицей to и без нее.

2. Permission.

1. You may do it in oral form if you want.

2. May(might) he come in?

3. We may not go out to play. We’ve got colds.

Exercise 1.

Paraphrase these notices to give or refuse permission. Begin each sentence with “You…”

1. Do not feed the animals.

2. No smoking.

3. Private. Keep out.

4. Do not walk on the grass.

5. Campers welcome.

6. Leave your litter here.

7. No parking on the square.

8. Visitors welcome 24 hours a day.

Exercise 2.

Paraphrase the following sentences using the modal verb ‘may’. Make all the necessary changes.

Example: Do you mind my closing the window?

May(might) I close the window?

1. Do you mind my using your dictionary for a minute?

2. Do you mind my coming later tomorrow?

3. Do you mind our coming again tomorrow?

4. Do you mind his leaving just now?

5. Do you mind our going to the cinema with you?

6. Do you mind her joining us on the trip?

7. Do you mind my asking you a question?

8. Do you mind his helping us?

9. Do you mind my smoking here?

10. Do you mind my speaking to your sister for a minute?

Exercise 3.

Make up short dialogues as shown, making use of the cue words.

Example: Ann: Mother, may I watch the TV show (1)?

Mother: No, you can’t.

Ann: Why?

Mother: Because Father is sleeping (2).

1

1. listen to the radio

2. go for a walk

3. invite my friends to our house

4. read a book

5. stay up as late as 11 o’clock

6. switch off the light

7. stay outdoors

8. buy an ice-cream

9. play chess with Father

10. watch the film tonight

2

1. your little sister in sleeping

2. we have so much work

3. Father is unwell

4. you haven’t finished your work

5. it’s too late for you

6. it’s dark in the room

7. it’s rather cold to walk

8. you have a sore throat

9. it’s time to go to bed

10. it’s for adults

Exercise 4.

Ask for permission to do something, using ‘may not/can’t’ and the cue words.

Example: have an ice-cream – have a sore throat – a glass of lemonade

• May I have an ice-cream, Mother? I’m very thirsty.

• No, you may not / can’t. You had a sore throat a week ago. I think you may have a glass of lemonade. It won’t do you any harm.

Cue words:

1. have a cup of coffee – be too strong – a glass of tea

2. a mutton chop – be too heavy – a beefsteak

3. have another helping of the pie – have enough – a glass of juice

4. write in pencil – be an official letter – write in ink

5. go to the beach – be too cold – go to the cinema

6. buy a car – be too expensive – buy a cycle

7. invite my friends to our house – too noisy – meet them in the Club

8. take your blue dress – my favourite-the blue blouse