Examples with may. Modal verbs may and might: many meanings, one shade

We continue to master the category of modality in English. As already noted, these grammatical forms help convey probability, prohibition, permission, desire, etc. Today, the modal verb may, which is responsible for expressing a possibility or request, will come into our field of view. Along with can, this word is the most commonly used in English to denote modality. Let's consider how these constructions are compiled, how their meanings are expressed and in what situations they should be used.

May is a very original design that not only has several meanings, but can also, under certain conditions, be divided into two (separate from each other!) forms. Often in textbooks there is even a generalized name “modal verbs may and might” » . Later we will find out why such a transformation occurs, but now we will study the grammatical structure.

To make a statement, it is enough to take a simple infinitive, having previously separated the particle to from it.

• Granny may calltoday- Grandma may call today.

The type of the predicate will be the same in all persons of pronouns and nouns. To pose a question, may is rearranged at the beginning of the phrase, and to create a negation, it attaches not. It is important to remember that this verb has no abbreviations.

• May shevisitustoday? -Can she visit us today?
• I may not finishtheworkintime– I may not finish this work on time.

According to the rules of English grammar, the modal verb may can only be used with aspects of the present tense, and the constructions contain continuous, simple and continuous infinitives. To express future events, it is necessary to replace may with the stable combination to be allowed to.

• She will be allowed to come -To herCanwillcome.

When denoting past events, this verb takes on the form might, and all the same rules listed above apply to it. The only difference is that it has the abbreviation mightn’t, but it is used very rarely in speech.

• He might gotothegym– He could go to the gym.
• Might theysayaboutit? – Could they say about it?
• We might not go to the shop –WeNotcouldgoVshop.

We have already noted that the modal verb might in modern English can function as an independent unit of speech. Let's look at this grammatical point in more detail.

What is the modal verb may used for, and what is the modal verb used for?

This question is asked by most beginners, because it is difficult to immediately grasp all the differences in shades of meaning and grammatical norms. The situation is further complicated by the fact that in many situations modal verbs of the forms may and might are used equally, i.e. practically can be replaced. To simplify understanding, we will divide all cases of use into separate categories.

Interchangeability of may and might

The main purpose of these verbs is to convey probability. Both forms are used, but constructions with may express a greater degree of confidence in the fulfillment of events. Probability is expressed by various infinitives.

• Thetree may fall ifastrongwindblows – This tree may fall if a strong wind blows.(fact of the present)
• She might not have been attheparty “She probably wasn’t at this party.”(assumption about the past)
• We may be watching the movie at this time –WeCanlookmovieVThistime.(future intention)

Both words convey a request, but more and more often the English use can in this meaning. Expressions with the verb may are more formal, distant in nature, and the modal might denotes an extremely respectful address to the interlocutor.

• Might Iofferyoucoffeeortea, Madam? – Can I offer you coffee or tea, madam?
• Mr. Brown, may wemakethereporttomorrow? - Mr. Brown, can we make this report tomorrow?

Both forms are also acceptable for use in combination with as well, but might is more commonly used. The complete construction has the meaning of hopelessness or indifference, denoted by the Russian expressions “ maybe...», « what else but...».

• I've lost my keys. I might as well waitforreturnofmyparents - I lost my keys. What can I do except wait for my parents to return.
• When do you want to do it? We don't know. We might as well . – When do you want to do this? We don't know. We can do it now.

And the last stable expression in which each of these words is used: may (might) not...but - this might not have happened if it weren't for...(IfwouldNot)…..

• This woman may (might) not have become a famous actress, but she was verypersevering– ThiswomancouldAndNotbecomefamousactress,NotbesheVerypersistent.

Exclusively may

To express permission or prohibition to perform actions, only may is always used. Accordingly, when permitted, the simple form is used, and when prohibited, the negative form is used.

• You may leaveworkearlytoday– You can leave work early today.
• They may not takepartinthiscontest– They are prohibited from participating in this competition.

It should be noted that such phrases sound very formal and are used mainly in business communication, or in conversations with unfamiliar people. Much more often the modal verb must not is used as a prohibition.

With may, you can express confidence in the execution of an action by adding the adverb well to the verb. The result will be a combination of the plan " for sure», « more likely», « probably».

• You may well find this book at the “Palace of books”shop –You,for sureyou will findthisbookVstore "Castlebooks."

Very often the verb may in English is used to express wishes addressed to someone. In this case, the syntactic structure of the sentence changes, because may moves to the beginning of the phrase.

• May youralbumbringyourbandtheworldfame! – May your album bring world fame to your group!

Exceptionally might

This form allows you to give your interlocutor a polite and careful recommendation, suggestion, or advice. In this case, one of the words want, prefer, like is adjacent to the modal verb.

• You might want tostayinaluxuryapartment– You will probably want to stay in luxury apartments.

The second situation that requires the use of might is the expression of impossible events, or rather actions that can happen, but certain circumstances prevent this.

• He might gotothecinematonight, buthehasnomoneyHe could go to the cinema in the evening, but he has no money.

And one more case when the modal verb might can be used in English, partly similar to the previous one. The combination might + have + participle II - means criticism of the development of events, regret about failure to take action.

• He might have bought thisdressforme! – He could buy this dress for me!

The last point to note: when conveying indirect speech and to coordinate tenses, the verb may is always replaced by might.

• They said, “You may call us at any time” — They said that we might call them at any time.

They said, “You can call us any time.” “They said we could call them at any time.”

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Greetings, friends! We continue to study modal verbs and today we’ll talk about their temporary forms: past and future.

All necessary changes in time are reflected by the modal verb, since the main semantic part of the sentence is in the infinitive. However, there are rare cases when the modal word does not change, but the semantic word, on the contrary, carries the main temporary load. In a sentence, all necessary changes in time, with rare exceptions, are reflected by the modal verb, and the main semantic one in the sentence is in the infinitive

Changing modal verbs by tense

The present tense is not the subject of our study today, since it is extremely simply constructed:

Modal verb (in its “standard form”) + infinitive of the main verb

At the same time, the modal word will not change when conjugated with he, she, it, that is, the ending -s will not be added under any circumstances.

• He plays football. - He plays football
• He can play football. — He can play football

But now we’ll learn about how modal words change in the past and future.

Modal verb -can

I cannot help him. — I can't help him.

-Can is the only modal word that, in the negative form of the present tense, merges with the particle -not

I couldn't help him. — I couldn't help him.

Due to the fact that can does not apply in the future, if necessary, the equivalent is used - to be able to

I shall not be able to help him. — I can't help him.

Modal word- must

• He may send a letter, if he wants. — He can send a letter if he wants
• He might send a letter. — He was allowed to send a letter

To construct the future tense, the equivalent is used - to be allowed to.
He will be allowed to send a letter. - He will be allowed to send a letter.

Both modal and semantic

-Need is unusual in that it is also used as a semantic verb in the meaning “ need to», « necessary", and as modal

1. In the role of semantic changes in each of the tenses, like usual, that is, characteristic endings are added:
   • -s (present tense with he, she, it)
   • - ed (in the past)
2. In interrogative and negative sentences, an auxiliary word is used - to do .
   • He needs to be strong. — He needs to be strong
   • We needed more money to buy a car. — We needed more money to buy a car
   • Do you need to leave here? — Do you need to stay here?
     No, I don't

3. As a modal word - need loses all these characteristics, while having only one form - the present tense

• How do they dare talk about it? — How dare they talk about this?
• We dared not answer them. — We didn't dare answer them.

Like - need, —dare can also be used as a semantic verb

• Has the same meaning as " dare», « dare to do something«
• Has all the forms and characteristics of a regular verb
• Used most often in negative sentences and in the past tense
• There is practically no use in the future

She did not dare to ask me about my decision. — She didn't dare ask me about my decision.

Unchanging -ought to

Is similar in meaning to -must, but more “soft”, replacing “ must" on " should»

• As for his temporary forms, he has only one of them - the present
• The main verb, usually in the infinitive, in combination with - ought to can take some of the tense forms, thus influencing the chronological features of the sentence

This is exactly the rare case that we talked about at the beginning.

I suggest comparing the following examples.

• You ought to help her. — You should help her
• You ought to have helped her. — You should have helped her

That is Perfect Infinitive (perfect infinitive), having the shape have + verb+ed , coming after - ought to helps reflect past tense:

1. Action that was not completed
   Frank ought to have told us about this news. - Frank should have been told about this news.
2. An action that took place in the past but was not desired
   John ought not to have telephoned her. — John shouldn't have called her

Declension -to be obliged (to)

To be obliged (to) is also equivalent must, taking on a more formal tone: “ be obliged«

• Students are required to attend classes. — Students are required to come to class
• Alice was obliged to say the truth in the courtroom. — Alice had a duty to tell the truth in the courtroom
• Tom will be obliged to return this money. — Tom will be obliged to return this money

Multifunctional - to be (to)

The sentence may include:

1. A semantic verb meaning “ be", « be»
2. Linking verb meaning “is”: am
3. An auxiliary verb in all tenses of the group Continuous And Perfect Continuous
   • Am, is, are, was, were, will be
   • Has/have been, had been,shall/will have been
4. And finally, with a modal verb
   

   Being a modal word, it expresses obligation and indicates that some action must occur due to a plan, schedule or agreement

   .
   Declension in tenses to be (to):

   • Present: - is
   • In the past: - was/wer e(to)
   • In future: will/shall be(to)

• The bus is to arrive at 7 o’clock. — The bus should leave at 7 o'clock
• The bus was to arrive at 7 o’clock. — The bus was supposed to arrive at 7 o'clock
• The bus will be to arrive at 7 o’clock. - The bus should leave at 7 o'clock

Not all modal verbs in English have forms of past and future tense, moreover, not all find equivalents that can replace them in any tense. This happens due to their semantic characteristics, since some of them do not make sense to change from time to time

May And might are modal verbs that have many interesting qualities. In some cases they can replace each other, in others they can act as a form of present and past tense, in others they can have completely different meanings. May And might sometimes cause difficulties for English learners, so in this article we will talk about the difference between them and examine in detail the cases of their use.

Features of the modal verbs may and might

To begin with, we propose to understand how sentences are constructed with may And might, because such proposals have several distinctive features.

In affirmative sentences after may And might we use the infinitive without a particle to. In questions may And might must be placed before the subject. In negative sentences we add to may/might particle not. To Russian may/might most often translated by the words “could”, “could”.

I might go. - I could go.

May she enter the room? - She Maybe enter the room?

I may not come. - I I can't come.

Pay attention to one feature: negation may not no shortened form.

We may not may not be at home today. - Us may not be today at home.

Negation might not may be reduced - mightn't, however, this form is rare.

It might rain today, mightn't it? - It might rain today is not it?

Let's consider other features of modal may And might:

1. Might is the past tense form of the verb may, But might also used as a stand-alone modal verb.
2. U may And might there are general functions and there are private ones: in some cases we can only use may, in others – only might.
3. WITH may And might we can use the regular infinitive ( may/might do), long ( may/might be doing) and perfect ( may/might have done). Regular infinitive ( may/might do) indicates an action in the present or future, continuous - a long-term action in the present or future, perfect - an action in the past.

Also, different functions may have their own peculiarities of using infinitives. We will talk about them further.

Well, now let's figure out how may And might are used in speech.

When we use the modal verbs may and might

First, we will look at cases where both verbs can be used - may And might. Here they are:

1. Possibility, uncertainty– probability, uncertainty.

   The most important function may/might is a probability. In this function may shows a greater degree of confidence than might. In translation into Russian we will use the words “may”, “maybe”, “should be”, “possibly”.

   This function has one special feature: we can use long ( may/might be doing) and perfect ( may/might have done) infinitives to describe actions in the present, past and future. Regular infinitive ( may/might do) works according to standard rules: shows the present or the future. You can observe this feature in the cases listed below, since probability and uncertainty can manifest themselves in different ways:

   • We describe a typical situation or talk about a well-known fact.
     

     A driver may fall asleep if he doesn’t stop every two hours. - Driver can fall asleep, unless it stops every 2 hours.

     The flowers might have faded if I hadn't watered them regularly. - Flowers could wither, if I didn't water them regularly.

   • We make a guess about what might be true. As a rule, in this case we are not very confident in our words.
     

     – Where is Ken? -Where is Ken?
     – No idea. He may be in the kitchen. - Don't know, May be, in the kitchen.

     He might not have been at the concert. – Maybe, his did not have at the concert.

   • Nothing prevents us from performing or not performing any action. Circumstances are such that we can do something.
     

     We may go out tonight or we may not. – Maybe, We let's go for a walk tonight, a maybe we won't go.

     I might not answer the phone as I’ll be sleeping in the afternoon. - I I may not answer on the phone, since I will sleep during the day.

   • We talk about our possible plans or intentions. Here may/might usually used with the continuous infinitive.
     

     Don't call me at midday. I might be having lunch at this time. - Don't call me at noon. I I can have lunch at that time.

     I may be going to Switzerland soon. – May be, I I'll leave to Switzerland soon.

   And now a little life hack: if we can replace may/might in a word perhaps(possible), which means we are talking about probability.

   He might not have been at the concert. = Perhaps he was not at the concert. – Maybe, he was not at the concert.

   I may be going to Switzerland soon. = Perhaps I'm going to Switzerland soon. – May be, I'm leaving for Switzerland soon.

2. Request, asking for permission- request, request for permission.

   According to the rules of classical grammar, we use may/might when we want to politely make a request to someone or ask permission to do something. However, in spoken English, native speakers increasingly use a modal verb in this function. May/might preferable can in a formal context. Also in this meaning might a more polite verb than may.

   May I show you the papers, sir? – Can Shall I show you the papers, sir?

   Sorry to bother you, Mr. Smith. Might I have a day-off tomorrow? - Sorry to bother you, Mr. Smith. Can i Should I take tomorrow off?

3. Design may/might as well.

   Expression may/might as well used in such cases:

   • when we have to do something because we have no other choice;
   • if there is no particular difference, what to do.

   This expression implies the following idea: it is better to do this than to do nothing at all. There are several translation options: “there is nothing (else) left (as)”, “why not”, “it is possible and”, “it is quite possible”, “it is possible at least”. It should be noted that the combination might as well occurs more often than may as well.

   We've missed our train. We might as well wait for the next one. - We missed the train. There is nothing else left but wait for the next one.

   – Are you leaving now? - Are you leaving now?
   – I don’t know. I might as well. - Don't know. It is possible Now.

   There is nothing to do here. I may as well go somewhere else. - There's nothing to do here. Quite possible, I'll go somewhere else.

4. Design may/might not... but.

   We use the design may/might not... but when we want to highlight some good quality in a person or thing. This construction is usually translated with the words “could not have been..., if not for...”, “would not have been, if not for...”.

   These memoirs may not be a masterpiece, but the author’s life experience is invaluable. – These memoirs wouldn't be masterpiece if not the author's invaluable experience.

   This girl might not have become a famous singer, but her voice was beautiful. - This girl might not be famous singer, if not her beautiful voice.

We got acquainted with the general functions of verbs may And might. Now we will look at each of them separately.

When to use the modal verb may

Some tasks are modal may didn't want to share with might. Let's figure out which ones exactly.

1. Permission and prohibition– permission and prohibition.

   We use a modal verb may, if we allow or allow someone to do something. To disable an action, we add to may negative particle not. It should be noted that may And may not in this meaning are often found in formal speech. We also use this modal verb when we speak with an unfamiliar person, boss or subordinate. To Russian may usually translated by the word “to be able”, may not- “impossible”, “must not”, “prohibited”.

   You may eat only one ice-cream at a time. - You you can eat it only one ice cream at a time.

   Mr. Hicks, you may participate in the debate on Saturday. - Mr. Hicks, you you can take part in Saturday's debate.

   Customers may not enter this room. – Buyers forbidden to enter to this room.

   You may not play football on the grass. - You shouldn't play football on the grass.

2. Wishes– wishes.

   By using may we can express our wishes to someone. In this case may comes to the beginning of the sentence. In Russian we will translate the modal verb with the word “let”.

   May this marriage brings you a lot of joy and happiness. – Let this marriage will bring you a lot of joy and happiness.

   May all your wishes come true. – Let all your wishes will come true.

3. Certainty- confidence.

   If we believe that some action is likely to happen, if we are almost certain of it, we can add to may adverb well. This combination will be translated by the words “probably”, “quite possible”.

   He may well take a taxi not to wait for a bus. - He, will probably take taxi so as not to wait for the bus.

   Adam may well not want to go to the hospital with us. – Adam may well not want to come with us to the hospital.

When to use the modal verb might

U might English also has its own problems. Let's see what functions this modal verb performs.

1. Polite advice- polite advice.

   Might as an independent modal verb, it is used to politely give advice or make an assumption about something. Most often in such cases might goes with the words: like(like, want), prefer(prefer) or want(want).

   You might like to try one of our wonderful desserts. - You, maybe you want try one of our wonderful desserts.

   You might prefer a cheaper accommodation. It will help you to save some money. – Maybe, You would you prefer cheaper housing. This will save you money.

2. Action that never happened- an action that did not happen.

   Verb might shows an action that could have happened but did not. At the same time, for might followed by a perfect infinitive ( have done). Often this feature indicates that the speaker is unhappy that something was not done. This construction is translated as “could”.

   He might have eaten a jar of jam if he hadn’t been full. - He could eat a jar of jam, if I weren't full.

   You might have washed the dishes! – Might as well wash it dishes!

3. Hardly possible situation- an unlikely situation.

   When we say that some situation is possible, we use and may, And might. But if we are talking about a situation that is impossible or unlikely, then we should use might. The context helps us understand whether the situation before us is real or not: something would have happened if some circumstances had not interfered. Often used to express this function. We will translate into Russian might as "could".

   Alice might come here tonight, but she is working till late. – Alice could come today, but she works late.

   I might finish my report if you didn’t ask me stupid questions. - I could finish report, if you didn't ask me stupid questions.

   If it hadn’t been so hot yesterday, we might have gone somewhere. – If it hadn’t been so hot yesterday, we would go somewhere.

4. Typical situation in the past- a typical situation in the past.

   Verb might can be used in situations where we want to communicate that some action was habitual, typical, or usual in the past. Usually in such cases we mention that the action took place a long time ago. Even though we are talking about action in the past, might will be used with the regular infinitive ( might do).

   During the Middle Ages a girl might get married at the age of 12. – In the Middle Ages young woman could get married at the age of 12 years.

   Years ago you might see just a couple of cars in the street. – Many years ago on the streets could be seen just a couple of cars.

5. Verb Substitute may.

   When agreeing tenses and in indirect speech we will use might, even if according to the rules there should be may.

   Action in the present	Action in the past
   Caroline isn't talking to Rick. They may/might have had an argument. Caroline not talking with Rick. Maybe, they quarreled.	Caroline wasn't talking to Rick. They might have had an argument. Caroline didn't talk with Rick. Maybe, they quarreled.
   Direct speech	Indirect speech
   Our coach told us, “You may stay up a little bit later tonight.” Our trainer said to us: “You you can go to bed a little later today."	Our coach told us that we might stay up a little bit later tonight. Our trainer said us that we we can go to bed a little later today.

Typically, English learners have the most difficulty with the notorious perfect infinitive. Let's watch a video in which they will tell us about the cases of using the perfect infinitive and other subtleties may And might.

And to finally consolidate the topic and understand how well you understand it, take our test.

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Modal verbs may and might in English

Modal verbs are verbs that characterize the responsibilities, capabilities, desires and necessity of action. They directly convey the speaker’s attitude to what is happening.
Despite the fact that modal verbs are strong and do not require the use of an auxiliary verb, when constructing interrogative and negative sentences, they cannot be used independently without a semantic verb:

I cannot fly. - I can not fly.
You may go. - You can go.

In English, modal verbs are used independently only when they form a short answer, or the meaning of the statement is clear from the previous context in which semantic (weak) verbs are used:

- Can you read this?
- I can.

Most people cannot run as fast as animals, but some can.

In English for expression possibilities/impossibility or abilities/inabilities to do something, two modal verbs are most often used - can And may.

They do not change in persons and numbers, as evidenced by the absence of an ending -s- in the present simple tense, do not have all the usual forms for weak verbs (for example, the ending -ing) and do not require the help of an auxiliary verb do/ does/ did.

Can vs. May

Can And may have a meaning in Russian be able/ be able/ allow. It is immediately worth noting that in most cases they are not interchangeable. In the image accompanying the illustration of the article there is a saying:

Do as you may if you can’t do as you could.

This aphorism uses three modal verbs at once and all three will have different shades of meaning. The sentence itself is translated as follows:

Do as you are allowed, if you are prohibited from doing as you could.

There are certain criteria when choosing a particular verb.

Can has two forms in English - the present tense form and the past tense form could, which will also be used in the subjunctive mood.
However, in English it is possible to use a modal verb can in the future tense. In this case, it will be replaced by an equivalent verb to be able to do smth.

I can read English.- Present Simple
He thought he could do it alone.- Past Simple
I wish I could see it.
He told me he could have seen it earlier.- Perfect

She will be able to finish the painting in Summer.- Future

May used in English in the form of present and past tense might, which can also be found in sentences in the subjunctive mood.

May I come in?- Present Simple
They might come yesterday.- Past Simple
He might be at home.- Subjunctive mood (subjunctive mood)

Use of Can and May

Modal verb can has a wider range of applications compared to the verb may.

1. For expression ability or ability to do something use can:

I can swim. Can you?

2. Can also used to indicate possibilities(theoretical or according to some rules):

You can find it in any dictionary.
Russian Railways can change the fares seasonally.- Russian Railways may change tariffs depending on the season.

3. When prohibited used for something cannot (can't). You can also find prohibitions with may, but they will sound too “soft”:

You cannot talk too loud in the library.- You can't talk loudly in the library.
You may not talk loudly in the library.- You are not allowed to speak loudly in the library.

4. Request can be expressed through can or could. The latter in this case will have emphatically polite treatment:

Can you pass me some butter?
Could you pass me some butter?

5. When expressing surprise in interrogative sentences or reproach the narrative often uses a modal verb can. Its shape could will reflect the extreme degree of the condition:

How can you be so rude?- How can you be so rude?
You could tell me in the end.- In the end, you could have told me!

6. Cannot (can't) used to denote strong mistrust:

She can't work there.- Yes, she can’t work there.
They couldn't have done it.- They just couldn't do it.

Please note that in almost all cases of use could, verb emphasizes exaggerated attitude speaking to current events.

In situations where you ask permission to do something can be used both modal verbs. Offers with may at the same time they will sound more formally:

You can come in.- You can come in.
You may come in.- Come in./ You can come in.

Modal verbs may/might contain character speaker's uncertainty regarding the events described. As with could, past form might transmits greater degree of uncertainty:

Somebody's calling. It may be Mary.- Someone is calling. Perhaps it's Mary.
It may rain. Take an umbrella.- It can start raining. Take an umbrella.

Modal verb may most often used when especially polite treatment:

May I sit down?- Can I sit down? / Let me sit down?
Can I sit down? would rather be translated “Can I sit down?”

Often might used when expressing reproach. The sentence sounds especially caustic:

You might have told me beforehand.- I could have warned you in advance.

In this article we started a big important topic on modal verbs and talked about two of them. In future publications we will definitely try to highlight the remaining representatives of this category.

We wish you to be able to master this grammar material! May success be with you!

Victoria Tetkina

May(past tense might)

Verb may has a past tense form might and is used with the infinitive of the semantic verb without the particle to.
Verb might in the context of the past tense it means “could, could, ... etc.”

And used in the context of the present or future tense is a form of the subjunctive mood (Subjunctive II) “could, might,...” and is used to express a more polite request or to express a greater degree of doubt. Full negative form may/might not, short negative form may not And mightn't.

The verb may has a modal equivalent to be allowed(passive verb) allow– allow, permit), which is used with the infinitive with the particle to. It can be used both in the missing future tense and in any other tense.

Used:

1. To express the objective possibility of performing an action, expressed by the infinitive – I can, it is possible. In this meaning, may is used only in affirmative sentences with an indefinite infinitive, referring to the present and future (and can does not have any restrictions).

I may/(can) go there today.
I can go there today.

You may order a taxi by telephone.
You can order a taxi by phone.

He may find this book in the library.
You can find this book in the library.

Might can also be used in the same meaning, here as a form of the subjunctive mood, making the supposed possibility less real.

You might find him in between eleven and twelve.
You might find him at home between eleven and twelve o'clock.

She might have done it easily.
She could do it easily.

The verb may, like can, can be used to express an objective possibility (a possibility depending on certain circumstances). Some difference is that the verb can implies a very real possibility, while the use of may means rather an assumed possibility.

A fool may ask more questions than a wise man can answer.
A fool can ask more questions than a wise man can answer.

2. The verb may (might) in questions, requests, prohibitions and permissions. In these cases they can be used as may so and can. Verb may stylistically more formal, and can more often used in colloquial speech.

a) In an interrogative sentence: a question about permission to act or a request. In the sense of asking permission to do something yourself (or others).

May I help you?
May I help you?

May I open the window?
May I open the window?

May I take this book?
Can I borrow this book?

May/Might I use your phone?
May I use your phone? (with might - even more polite)

May I come in?
Yes, you may.; No, you may not.; No, you mustn't.
Can I come in?
Yes, you can.; No you can not.; No you can not. (categorically prohibited)

In colloquial speech, permission can be expressed in another way: instead of the verb may, the verb to do is used:

May I open the window?
Please, do.
Can I open the window?
Please.

b) In a negative sentence: a prohibition to perform an action expressed by the infinitive.

You may not enter the room until I say so.
Don't you dare enter the room until I say so.
You may not go.
You can't leave. (is not allowed)
You may not smoke in here.
You can't smoke here.

May is quite rarely used in negative answers to questions about permission. Most often found in answers can't or more categorical mustn't:

May I smoke here?
No, you can't.
No, you mustn't.
Can (I) smoke here?
No you can not.
No you can not. (categorically prohibited)

V) In an affirmative sentence: permission to perform an action, expressed by the infinitive. More often in formal oral and written speech; in colloquial language – can.

The present:

You may go.
(you/you) You can/You can go.

You may take the keys.
You can take the keys.

You may use the dictionaries.
You can (you are allowed) to use dictionaries.

He may come in.
He can come in.

To express permission relating to the future, the phrase is used to be allowed (to):

I think they will be allowed to go with us.
I think they will be allowed to come with us.

We shall be allowed to use dictionaries.
We will be allowed to use dictionaries.

Past tense form might in this meaning it occurs only in subordinate clauses (mainly in indirect speech), when the verb in the main part is in the past tense.

He said you might take the books.
He said you can take the books.

I asked if they might return home soon.
I asked if they could return home soon.

Simple sentences use its modal equivalent to be allowed (to):

He was allowed to stay here.
He was allowed to stay here.

We were allowed to use dictionaries.
We were allowed to use dictionaries.

3. To express disapproval, reproach, condemnation - could have (but did not). In this case, only the form might is used in an affirmative sentence.

A) might + Simple Infinitive– refers to the present or future tense. As in the Russian language, it has a double meaning: firstly, a reproach that something has not been done, is not being done; secondly, a frank hint that it’s time to do it.

You might come to see me.
You could come and see me.
You might go and help him.
You could go and help him.
You might tell me what he said.
You could tell me what he said.

b) might + Perfect Infinitive- refers to the past. Expresses regret and irritation that some action was not performed at the right time(as with could).

He might have telephoned the same day.
He could have called that same day. (but didn't call)
She might have helped you to do your homework.
She could help you with your homework. (but didn't help)

Probability value

Verb may (might) most often the assumption is expressed with a tinge of doubt and uncertainty. In this meaning, it is used only in affirmative and negative sentences with any form of the infinitive (in interrogative probabilistic sentences, can is used). Corresponds to the Russian “possibly, maybe.” Might, as a form of the subjunctive mood, expresses a greater degree of doubt (a lesser degree of certainty).

A) may/might (not) + Indefinite/Continuous Infinitive expresses an action relating to the present or future tense:

Regarding the present with a simple infinitive (Indefinite) from verbs expressing a state or with a long infinitive (Continuous) from verbs expressing an action (it is assumed that the action occurs at the moment of speech).

He may be at home.
He may (perhaps) be at home.
He may not be there now.
Perhaps he is not there now.
She may know about it.
Perhaps she knows about this.
He may be sleeping.
Perhaps he is sleeping.
He may by waiting for us.
Maybe he's waiting for us.
He might be doing his lessons now.
Maybe he is doing his homework now.

In relation to the future, it is used with a simple infinitive from verbs expressing action

He may come tomorrow.
Perhaps he will come tomorrow.

He may write to us.
He might write to us.

They may return soon.
They may (maybe) return soon.

In any sentence here may can be replaced by might, which will mean an even lower degree of confidence in the speaker's assumption. There is no such tool in Russian and the translation will sound the same (if you do not resort to additional tricks).

We might return on Monday. We might (maybe) be back on Monday.

b) may/might (not)+ Perfect Infinitive expresses past action:

I may have put it on the table.
Maybe I put it on the table.

She may have left.
Maybe she's already left.

He may have missed the train.
Maybe he missed the train.

He might have visited them yesterday.
Maybe he visited them yesterday.