This set of English Grammar Exercises (MCQs) focuses on “Auxiliary and Modal Verbs – May, Might”.
1. What is the difference between ‘may’ and ‘might’?
a) ‘Might’ increases the doubt in a sentence
b) ‘May’ is the past equivalent of ‘might’
c) ‘May’ is a less positive version of ‘might’
d) ‘Might’ cannot be used for seeking permission.
View Answer
Explanation: In most cases, there is very little difference between ‘may’ and ‘might’. It is often the cause of confusion. While either can be used in most of the cases, ‘might’ increases the sense of doubt in a sentence. The rest of the statements are actually false.
2. Which verb best fits the sentence given?
All that glitters ______________ be gold.
a) may
b) cannot
c) may not
d) can
View Answer
Explanation: ‘May’ is used to convey the improbability of a certain issue or occurrence. Whereas, ‘cannot’ expresses shear impossibility.
3. Choose the correct sentence.
a) May all your dreams come true.
b) You not might come inside.
c) You may not pay for this food at the counter.
d) Might I get a headache?
View Answer
Explanation: In formal English, ‘may’ is often used to express a wish. It is used in situations where one might want to express good wishes to another.
4. Complete the question by placing the correct auxiliary.
______________ ask what this is regarding?
a) Can I
b) Might I
c) May I
d) Could I
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Explanation: ‘Might I’ is used for situations where there is more uncertainty about the answer. It is more diffident than ‘may I’.
5. Which of the following is incorrect about ‘may’?
a) It is used to express possibility in affirmative sentences
b) It is used to express a wish in a formal setting
c) It is used to express capacity
d) It is used to express a more formal permission
View Answer
Explanation: ‘Can’ is used to express capacity. While ‘may’ is used to express possibility, a wish or permission, all in a formal sense.
6. State whether the following statement is true or false.
In the present tense, may is used as a less positive version of might.
a) False
b) True
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Explanation: In the present time contexts, ‘might’ is used as a less positive version of ‘may’. The inverse, however, is not true.
7. What is the correct form of auxiliary?
I stopped by to check on you because I thought you ______________ be at home.
a) might
b) may
c) could
d) can
View Answer
Explanation: ‘Might’ is used as a past equivalent of ‘may’. It is used to express possibility in a situation where there is a certain degree of uncertainty.
8. Choose the correct helping verb.
You ______________ pay a little more attention to your grades.
a) could
b) may
c) can
d) might
View Answer
Explanation: ‘Might’ is used in cases where the speaker wants to express a degree of dissatisfaction. It is also used to express disappointment and disapproval.
9. Fill in the blank with the correct form of verb.
If Tina is not at home, she ______________ gone to the shop with her mother.
a) may have
b) might be
c) might have
d) may be
View Answer
Explanation: ‘Might’ is often used along with the perfect infinitive. It is most commonly used to speak of the possibility of occurrence of an event.
10. Pick the correct word to fill in the blank.
You ______________ to consider all your options before making a final decision.
a) could
b) might
c) may
d) can
View Answer
Explanation: ‘Might’ is used at the past equivalent of ‘may’. It is used as a less positive version of ‘may’. In some cases it is used both to express a less positive opinion as well as a possibility or choice.
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