Unit II may/might

Task 2

Use may/might with a suitable form of the infinitive while filling in all the gaps, then press "Check" to check your answers. Use the "Hint" button to get a free letter if an answer is giving you trouble. You can also click on the "[?]" button to get a clue. Note that you will lose points if you ask for hints or clues!

The use of infinitives with may/might

1. Simple infinitive with may can have the meaning of supposition implying uncertainty or possibility.
-He may be at home.
Might in combination with the simple infinitive shows more uncertainty than may.
-He might be at home, but I haven't got the slightest idea about his whereabouts.
It should be borne in mind that might in combination with simple infinitive can either refer to the present or futuire, or can refer to the past in condition that it's used in reported speech.
-You might help me. (present+reproach)
-He might come.(future)
-He said he might come.(past)
2. May/might in combination with perfect infinitive can show deduction about the past/
-He may/might have forgotten his keys at home. Now he doesn't know what to do.
Might + perfect infinitive can express an action which was possible in the past but didn't happen.
Might + perfect infinitive can also express reproach in the past.
-You might have told it to us before!
Be careful!You might have fallen off the tree!
1. The letter (receive) yesterday.
2. It (rain), you'd better take a coat.
3. You (tell) him about it before.
4.He ( be) late for the last bus.
5. Whenever you (come), you are always welcome.
6. The documents (receive) tomorrow.
7. You (help)! Can't you see that the bag is heavy?!
8. They (leave) an hour ago.
9.Ann doesn't answer the doorbell, she (be) in the bathroom.
10. I don't remember when we met. It (be) my birthday.