Modals: May & Might Quiz | Intermediate Level | 20 Questions & Answers with Explanations

This sentence expresses a workplace rule that does not allow a certain action.

"May not" is used to show that something is not permitted.

"Might not" only expresses uncertainty and does not describe a rule.

Correct Sentence: "Employees may not use the office printer for personal documents."

Memory Hook: May not = Not allowed or prohibited.

The phrase "even chance" shows a balanced possibility.

"May" is used to express a fair possibility that something can happen.

"Might" can also show possibility, but "may" is commonly used for a moderate chance.

Correct Sentence: There’s roughly an even chance the meeting may get postponed.

Memory Hook: Even chance / possible outcome = May.

The speaker is making a guess about a past event based on limited evidence.

"Might have" is used to express an uncertain possibility about something that happened in the past.

"Must have" would show strong certainty, but the evidence here is not enough.

Correct Sentence: He hasn’t replied to any messages; he might have lost his phone.

Memory Hook: Uncertain past guess = Might have.

The officer is making a polite and formal request.

"May I...?" is used for formal permission requests.

"Can I...?" is common in casual speech but is less suitable in formal exam contexts.

Correct Sentence: "May I have a word with you in private?" the officer asked the clerk.

Memory Hook: Formal request + permission = May I.

The phrase "given her qualifications" shows that she has a good chance of being selected.

"May well" is used to express a strong possibility based on a good reason.

"Might" expresses a weaker possibility and is less suitable here.

Correct Sentence: Given her qualifications, she may well get selected for the post.

Memory Hook: Strong reason or evidence = May well.

This sentence gives official permission according to an airline rule.

"May" is used to express permission in formal rules and instructions.

"Might" only shows uncertainty and cannot express official permission.

Correct Sentence: Passengers may carry a maximum of one hand-bag onto the flight.

Memory Hook: Official permission = May.

The phrase "not entirely sure" shows uncertainty about the result date.

"Might" is used when the speaker is not confident about something happening.

"Must" shows necessity or certainty, which does not fit this sentence.

Correct Sentence: " I'm not entirely sure, but The results might be declared by Friday."

Memory Hook: Not sure = Might.

The speaker is politely asking for permission to start an activity.

"May we...?" is used for polite and formal requests involving a group.

"Might" is used for possibility, not for direct permission requests.

Correct Sentence: "May we proceed with the presentation now, or would you prefer to wait?"

Memory Hook: May we = polite permission for a group.

The negotiations are incomplete, so the outcome is uncertain.

"Might not" is used to express a possibility that something may not happen.

"May not" can also express possibility, but "might not" better shows the uncertainty in this context.

Correct Sentence: The negotiations are still ongoing, so a final decision might not be reached today.

Memory Hook: Uncertain future result = Might not.

After a modal verb like "might," we use the base form of the verb.

"Might reserved" is incorrect because "reserved" is a past participle and needs the helping verb "be."

The correct structure is "might be + past participle" when showing a possibility.

Correct Sentence: You may not park here after 6 PM, as the space might be reserved for staff only.

Memory Hook: Modal + V1 form; use "be" before past participles.

The guest is making a polite request in a respectful manner.

"May I...?" is used for formal and polite requests.

"Can I...?" is more common in casual conversations, while "might" does not introduce direct requests.

Correct Sentence: "May I trouble you for a glass of water?" the guest asked hesitantly.

Memory Hook: Polite request to a stranger or guest situation = May I.

The word "inconsistent" shows doubt about the accuracy of the statement.

"Might not" is used when something is possible but uncertain.

"Must not" would show a strong conclusion, which is not suitable here.

Correct Sentence: The witness's account is inconsistent, so his version of events might not be entirely accurate.

Memory Hook: Doubtful evidence = Might not.

This is a polite and formal way of giving a reminder.

"May I remind you...?" is a common formal expression used in professional and academic situations.

"Might I remind you" is possible in very formal English but is not the expected exam answer here.

Correct Sentence: May I remind you that the submission deadline is tomorrow?

Memory Hook: May I remind / suggest / ask = formal polite expression.

The phrase "it's not confirmed" shows uncertainty about the delay.

"Might" is used when something is possible but there is less certainty.

"May" also expresses possibility, but "might" is more suitable for a doubtful situation.

Correct Sentence: "The flight might be delayed due to bad weather, though it's not confirmed."

Memory Hook: Not confirmed / not sure = Might.

This sentence is a polite request for permission in a formal situation.

"May" is used to ask for permission respectfully, especially when speaking to someone formally.

"Might" expresses possibility and is not normally used to directly ask for permission.

Correct Sentence: "May I take your leave now, ma'am?"

Memory Hook: Formal person + permission request = May.

The sentence suggests that the speaker believes she is the manager because she can approve the leave request.

"May be" is more suitable than "might be" when there is a reasonable possibility or belief.

"Might be" shows more doubt and does not match the confidence shown in the second part of the sentence.

Correct Sentence: "She may be the manager, so she can approve this leave request."

Memory Hook: Reasonable possibility = May; stronger doubt = Might.

The phrase "only a slight chance" indicates a low possibility.

"Might" is used when something has a small chance of happening.

The stated probability is more important than the cloudy sky condition.

Correct Sentence: The sky is heavily overcast, yet the forecast says there's only a slight chance of rain — It might drizzle a little.

Memory Hook:  Slight chance = Might.

The sentence is a formal request asking for permission or approval.

"May I" is the standard expression used for polite formal requests.

"Might I" can sometimes appear in very old-fashioned English, but "May I" is the expected answer in exam contexts.

"Must I" shows obligation, and "Shall I" shows an offer or suggestion.

Correct Sentence: "May I request a short extension on the deadline?"

Memory Hook: Formal favour request = May I.

The traffic provides a clear reason that increases the possibility of a delay.

"May" is used to express a reasonable possibility based on a known cause.

"Might" shows a weaker possibility and is less suitable when there is supporting evidence.

Correct Sentence: Given the traffic at this hour, the delivery may take longer than usual.

Memory Hook: Clear reason or evidence = May.