In this article we will cover might , the first in a series of modal verbs that we will see in other articles. We use might to express the probability that something will happen or that something will be true or not.
HOW DOES THE VAUGHAN METHOD WORK?
The theory
Modal verbs do not conjugate, ie do not wear s end in the 3rd person singular or adopt a different way in the past. And they are never combined with the auxiliary do in questions or denials. Like all modal verbs, might is accompanied by the infinitive of the main verb sin to .
- I think I might be able to help.
To form the negation, not is added after might , and it is almost never contracted, especially not in writing. In interrogative sentences we usually start with Do you think…? , as it is also done in Spanish:
- Do you think he might know what the problem is?
The practice
A trick: might sounds like Mayte , but without the e : / máit / .
| I may go window shopping on Friday. | I might go window shopping on Friday. |
| I think I might have another serving of shrimp. | I think I might have another helping of shrimp .. |
| It may work if you plug it in … | It might work if you plug it in… |
We do not usually contract might and not in the negative.
| I may not look like a movie star, but I’m not that bad. | I might not look like a movie star, but I’m not that bad. |
| You may not like this movie if you don’t like musicals. | You might not like this film if you’re not into musicals. |
| That may not be a good idea. | That might not be a good idea. |
HOW DOES THE VAUGHAN METHOD WORK?
The following questions begin with the / diúzink / sound .
| Do you think he can have the solution for our problem? | Do you think he might have the solution to our problem? |
| Do you think she could give her jewelry away? | Do you think she might give her jewels away? |
| Do you think you might join us later? | Do you think you might join us later? |
Extra
Pronunciation key
To pronounce might , say Mayte without the end e . Or say light , but with m : / máit / . In any case, don’t let the g sound anywhere.
Common mistake
A very common mistake is to believe that may is used more than might , and to leave the latter forgotten, while in fact we say might much more
