Modals: May & Might Quiz | Beginner Level | 10 Questions & Answers with Explanations
10 questions
This Beginner-level quiz on May & Might is designed for aspirants preparing for SSC CGL, IBPS PO, Railways RRB, Bank Clerk, and State PSC exams. These two modals are among the most frequently tested in English grammar sections, and the questions here focus on three key ideas: using "may" for formal permission, distinguishing "may" (~50% probability) from "might" (~30% probability) on the possibility scale, and recognising the situations where each modal fits naturally. Before you attempt this quiz, read through the Modals — it'll make these questions much easier to crack. Remember, competitive exams rarely reward rote memorisation of "correct-sounding" options — understanding why a rule applies is what separates a guess from a confident, accurate answer.
Students ______ leave the classroom after submitting their answer sheets.
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Correct Answer May
This sentence gives permission to students after completing a task.
"May" is used to show permission given by an authority.
"Might" only shows possibility and does not express permission.
Correct Sentence: Students may leave the classroom after submitting their answer sheets.
Memory Hook: May = permission given by someone in authority.
It ______ rain later; the sky is quite cloudy.
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Correct Answer Might
This sentence shows a possibility about future weather.
"Might" is used when something is possible but not certain.
Cloudy skies suggest a chance of rain, but there is no guarantee.
Correct Sentence: It might rain later; the sky is quite cloudy.
Memory Hook: Might = possible but not sure.
There is a 50% chance she ______ join us for dinner tonight.
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Correct Answer May
The sentence shows a possibility that is neither certain nor impossible.
"May" is used to express a reasonable possibility.
"Might" also shows possibility, but "may" is commonly used for a fair chance of something happening.
Correct Sentence: There is a 50% chance she may join us for dinner tonight.
Memory Hook: May = a good possibility.
He ______ have missed the bus; that's why he's late.
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Correct Answer Might
The speaker is making an uncertain guess about a past event.
"Might have" is used to express a possible but uncertain past action.
"May have" can also express possibility, but "might have" is better when the speaker is less sure.
Correct Sentence: He might have missed the bus; that's why he's late.
Memory Hook: Might have = uncertain past possibility.
Visitors ______ not enter the laboratory without prior permission.
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Correct Answer May
This sentence expresses a rule that denies permission.
"May not" means permission is not allowed.
"Might not" only shows uncertainty and does not express a rule or restriction.
Correct Sentence: Visitors may not enter the laboratory without prior permission.
Memory Hook: May not = not permitted.
"______ I come in, sir?" the student asked politely.
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Correct Answer May
The student is asking for permission in a formal situation.
"May" is the correct modal for polite and formal permission requests.
"Can" is commonly used in informal conversations, but "may" is preferred in formal exam contexts.
Correct Sentence: "May I come in, sir?" the student asked politely.
Memory Hook: Sir/Madam + permission request = May.
She ______ come to the party — she hasn't confirmed yet.
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Correct Answer Might
The sentence shows uncertainty because she has not confirmed her attendance.
"Might" is used when something is possible but uncertain.
"May" can also show possibility, but "might" is more suitable for a doubtful situation.
Correct Sentence: She might come to the party — she hasn't confirmed yet.
Memory Hook: No confirmation = might.
______ I use your phone for a minute?
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Correct Answer May
This sentence asks for permission in a polite and formal way.
"May" is used to ask for permission politely.
"Might" is mainly used to show possibility or uncertainty, not for direct permission requests.
Correct Sentence: May I use your phone for a minute?
Memory Hook: When you politely ask permission using "I", remember: "May I...?" = Permission.
The manager is unwell today; he ______ not attend the meeting.
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Correct Answer May
The manager's illness creates a possibility that he will not attend.
"May not" is used when something is possible but not certain.
The manager could attend or could miss the meeting, so "may not" is appropriate.
Correct Sentence: The manager may not attend the meeting today; he may not attend the meeting.
Memory Hook: May not = possible negative situation.
______ I suggest a better approach to this problem?
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Correct Answer May
The speaker is politely asking permission before giving a suggestion.
"May I...?" is used for polite offers and suggestions.
"Might" does not fit because it expresses possibility rather than permission.
Correct Sentence: May I suggest a better approach to this problem?
Memory Hook: May I suggest = polite suggestion.