Modal verbs

probability and possibility: may, might, can, could

probability To talk about the probability that something is true, or will happen, we can use may.

Let's hurry, the shop may still be open.

We may go to japan this summer' (= 'There's a chance that we'll go")

Might and, could express a smaller probability.

It might/could rain later, but I don't really think it will

📎can not used

 Can is not normally used to talk about probability'

Andy may be in joe's office. 

may not used in questions

 We don't use question forms of may with this meaning'

Do you think the firm may lose money?(❌not may the firm lose money )

📎may not and can't, Note the difference.

Isabelle may not be at home. (= 'Perhaps she's not at home)

Isabelle can't be at home - she's in Spain this week' (= She's certainly not at home)

📎can for what is typical

 Can is not used to talk about probability but we can use can to talk about what is typically or normally possible.

-1 .female crocodile can lay 30-40 eggs.

Silver birch trees can grow up to 30m tal

📎may ... but 

May (and sometimes might) can be used in arguing, to say that something is (not) true, but that this does not make a difference to the main point 

he may know a lot, but he's got no common sense.

She may be good with children, but she's hell to live with

📎NOTES

may well is often used to say that something is quite probable.

He'll certainly pass the exam, and he may well get a really good result.

may, might and could are possible with if+ present 

If he carries on like this, he may/might/could find himself in deep trouble.

may is not possible with if+ past.

lf I had more time, I might/could study Chinese

may you ,..etc: May can introduce wishes.

may you both be very happy together. 

May the best man win.

critical might 

We can use might (often STRESSED) to criticize people for not doing things.

You MIGHT close the door behind you! 

You MIGHT help with the washing up!

You MIGHT have remembered Pam's birthday!

Could can be used in the same way 

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