Basics: May and Might - Expressing Possibility: correct answers
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When we want to talk about things that are possible but not certain, we use the modal verbs may and might. For example, saying "I might go to the concert" or "It may rain later" shows that there is a chance something will happen, but you aren't completely sure.
In this challenge, you will practice using these modals in a variety of everyday situations, from predicting the weather and future movie plans to talking about missing cats and ruined picnics. You will explore affirmative and negative forms (such as may not or might not) and practice the essential rule of pairing these modals correctly with base verbs.
You'll work through 12 questions featuring a fun mix of single-choice, multi-choice, drop-down, and drag-and-drop formats.
Try the quiz to check your knowledge!
Correct answers
Question 1
The correct answers are might belong and may just be.
Modal verbs like "might" and "may" do not change form for the third-person singular (no "-s" ending on the modal or the main verb). Even when an adverb like "just" is added, the main verb stays in its base form ("be").
Question 2
The correct answers are may not come and might not come.
When making "may" or "might" negative, we simply add "not" right after the modal verb (may not / might not). You don't need helper verbs like "don't", and you still must use the base form of the main verb without "to".
Question 3
Choose the best word to complete the nervous picnic organizer's warning.
Look at those dark clouds! I haven't checked the radar, so I'm not entirely sure, but it ___ rain during our lunch.
The correct answer is might.
We use "might" (or "may") to talk about things that are possible in the present or future, especially when we are not 100% certain they will happen.
Question 4
The correct answers are may need and might rain.
After modal verbs expressing possibility like "may" and "might," we always use the base form of the verb (without "to" or any "-s", "-ed", or "-ing" endings).
Question 5
Help the brave student guess what is inside the mystery cafeteria stew. Choose the correct verb form for each blank.
The glowing green stew might contain some sort of chicken. It may also taste exactly like old gym socks, so please proceed with caution!
The glowing green stew might contain some sort of chicken.
After modal verbs like "might" and "may," we always use the base form of the verb (no "-s", "-ing", or "-ed").
It may also taste exactly like old gym socks, so please proceed with caution!
Just like in the first sentence, "may" must be followed by the base verb "taste."
Question 6
Help the indecisive student complete their text message.
I haven't bought tickets yet because they are a bit expensive, but I ___ to the concert this weekend.
The correct answer is may go.
After modal verbs of possibility like "may" or "might", we always use the base form of the verb (the bare infinitive) without "to", "s", or "ing".
Question 7
The correct answers are may be and might be.
Both "may" and "might" are perfect for expressing possibility! Remember the golden rule of modal verbs: they must be followed directly by the base form of the verb (in this case, "be"). We never use "to" or add "-s" after a modal verb.
Question 8
Complete the nervous meteorologist's weather forecast by choosing the correct word for each blank.
The forecast says it might rain tomorrow, so you should probably bring an umbrella just in case. Alternatively, the sun may decide to shine in the afternoon. I really have no idea!
The forecast says it might rain tomorrow, so you should probably bring an umbrella just in case.
We use "might" to show that something is possible but not certain. The verbs "are" and "has" do not grammatically fit before the base verb "rain."
Alternatively, the sun may decide to shine in the afternoon.
"May" is used just like "might" to express possibility. The verbs "has" and "was" cannot be followed directly by the base verb "decide."
Question 9
Help the office detective finish her dramatic conclusion about the missing snack.
The suspect has powdered sugar on his shirt, but he ___ the one who stole my jelly donut. I also saw Steve eating a pastry earlier!
The correct answer is might not be.
To make sentences with "might" or "may" negative, we place the word "not" immediately after the modal verb and before the base verb (might + not + base verb).
Question 10
The correct answers are might fall and may fall.
"May" and "might" are both excellent choices for talking about future possibilities. Even if the sentence feels like it's pointing to the future, you must stick to the base form of the verb ("fall"). Never use the past tense ("fell") or an "-ing" form ("falling") right after a modal verb!
Question 11
The correct answers are might be and may not.
"Might" is followed by the base verb "be" (not "is" or "to be"). To make a modal verb negative, we simply add "not" directly after it (may not / might not). We never use "don't" or "doesn't" with modals!
Question 12
Complete the friends' conversation as they search for their sneaky cat, Barnaby. Choose the correct word for each blank.
Barnaby might not be hiding under the sofa, because he is way too chubby to fit. On the other hand, he may decide to sleep in the clean laundry basket again.
Barnaby might not be hiding under the sofa, because he is way too chubby to fit.
"Might not" is the correct way to express a negative possibility. "Does not be" and "is not be" are grammatically incorrect.
On the other hand, he may decide to sleep in the clean laundry basket again.
"May" expresses possibility and is followed by the base verb "decide." The other options ("has decide" and "wants decide") are grammatically incorrect because they are missing "to" or an "-ed" ending.