The Rules of Choice and Chance
3.5 🟢 The Rules of Choice and Chance
Learn how to master Permission and Possibility using three key modals: May, Might, and Can.
📊 Permission vs. Possibility Matrix
| Function | Modal Verb | Tone / Degree of Certainty | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polite Permission | May | Formal & Respectful | May I enter the conference room? |
| Informal Permission | Can | Casual & Daily | Can I use your red pen? |
| High Possibility | May | ~50% Chance | The flight may arrive early. |
| Low Possibility | Might | ~20–30% Chance | It might snow tonight, but it’s unlikely. |
📝 Real-World Examples Explained
1. Formal Business Request (Permission)
“May I review the financial summary before the board meeting?”
- May: Highly polite and professional for workplace settings.
2. Casual Request (Permission)
“Can I borrow your phone charger for ten minutes?”
- Can: Friendly and appropriate among colleagues.
3. Moderate Possibility
“Our team may launch the project next Tuesday.”
- may: Shows a strong 50/50 likelihood.
4. Slight Possibility
“There might be a minor delay due to bad weather.”
- might: Shows a smaller chance of occurrence.
🚫 Common Mistakes: Correct vs. Incorrect
1. Using “Might” for Formal Permission
❌ Incorrect: “Might I leave the office early today, Mr. Davis?”
✅ Correct: “May I leave the office early today, Mr. Davis?”
Why it’s wrong: Might sounds overly old-fashioned for asking permission. Use May.
2. Using “May Not” vs. “Cannot” for Absolute Prohibition
❌ Incorrect: “You may not park here! It is illegal!”
✅ Correct: “You cannot park here! It is illegal!”
Why it’s wrong: For strict rule-based prohibitions, use cannot (or must not).
✏️ Quick Quiz: Choose the Right Modal!
- “Excuse me, Sir. ________ I ask a quick question about the presentation?” (Formal permission)
- “Take an umbrella. It ________ rain later, though the sky looks clear now.” (Slight chance)
🔑 Quiz Answers
- Question 1: May
- Question 2: might