1. Determine the meaning of the modal verb “may”. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. May I ask what you intend to do?

2. “I may have one or two people coming in tomorrow evening,” she said. “Why not join us?”

3. Fashions change so quickly nowadays: they may have altered by the time you get upstairs.

4. He looked embarrassed, and it occurred to me that he might have been listening at the door.

5. You might be more considerate to your parents who always think of your well-being.

6. He asked if he might bring his younger brother to the party.

7. You might have told us that the dog was dangerous.

8. I’m sure the film will be dull – we might just well stay at home.

9. Whatever else I may be, I am not a fool.

10. I can’t say I remember noticing the box - but, of course, it may have been there all the time.

11. “Okay,” Vivian said, “I might be a little late but not much.

12. “You may come tomorrow a little later”, she said graciously.

13. I am certain she did not want to snub you4 she may not have seen you in the crowd.

14. You may not go boating – it’s too windy.

15. You may call me Dolly if you like, but you mustn’t call me child.

16. Don’t worry; the telegramme , may come tomorrow.

17. Charles may have been at the club all this time.

18. The boys may have been playing tennis since lunchtime.

19. It occurred to him that his hostess might be entertaining the guests in the garden.

20. Let me tell you my story, and by time, you see, you may have that made up your mind.

21. If he had phoned, they might have seen him off. But he didn’t.

2. Change the following sentences to express uncertainty using the modal verb “may” and the proper form of the infinitive. Follow the example.

Example: Perhaps (may be) he is having dinner. He may be having dinner.

A.

1. Perhaps Bess is making tea in the kitchen.

2. Maybe Paul sees him very often.

3. Maybe they are still having a holiday.

4. Perhaps his daughter is not studying in a teacher training college.

5. Maybe the doctor is examining the patient now.

B.

1. Perhaps the film will have a happy end.

2. Maybe he will not tell you the truth.

3. Maybe Jane will forgive him.

4. Perhaps the test will not be so difficult next time.

5. Maybe the Palmers will stay at home on Sunday.

C.

1. Perhaps your neighbours have left the town.

2. Maybe Sam hasn’t made an appointment with the dentist.

3. Perhaps everybody has agreed to the plan.

4. Maybe they didn’t send him a letter.

5. Maybe the situation has changed.

D.

1. Maybe the students have not been studying French long.

2. Maybe they have been staying at the hotel for more than a week.

3. Perhaps he has not been here long.

4. Perhaps Mr Parker has been working in the garden since morning.

5. Perhaps Uncle Tom has been having a nap since lunchtime.

3. Make the following sentences less certain by using “may” or “might”.

Example: They will arrive tomorrow. They may arrive tomorrow.

1. She will be late. 4. The old woman slipped on the ice.

2. They had a dictation yesterday. 5. Philip will tell them about

3. They are eating breakfast.