人教新课标备课课件包-必修三 Unit1 3-1-11.pptVIP

Modal verbs He may be in his office.=( perhaps he is in his office) He might be having lunch.=( perhaps he is having lunch) Ask Ann. She might know. = ( perhaps she knows) We use may or might to say that something is a possibility. Most of the time “might” and “may” are almost interchangeable, with “might” suggesting a somewhat lower probability. The negative forms are may not and might not It might not be true. (= perhaps it isnt true) Im not sure whether I can lend you any money. I may not have enough. (= perhaps I dont have enough) For the past we use may have (done) or might have (done): A: I wonder why Kay didnt answer the phone.B: She may have been asleep. (= perhaps she was asleep) A: I cant find my bag anywhere.B: You might have left it in the shop. (= perhaps you left it in the shop) A: I was surprised that Sarah wasnt at the meeting.B: She might not have known about it. (= perhaps she didnt know) A: I wonder why Colin was in such a bad mood yesterday.B: He may not have been feeling well. (= perhaps he wasnt feeling well) Can Could Asking people to do things (requests) We often use can or could to ask people to do things: Can you wait a moment, please? or Could you wait a moment, please? Liz, can you do me a favour? Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the station? I wonder if you could help me. Asking for and giving permission (on the phone) Hello, can I speak to Tom, please? ‘Could I use your phone?’ ‘Yes, of course.’ Do you think I could borrow your bike? ‘May I come in?’ ‘Yes, please do.’ To give permission, we use can or may. You can use the phone. or You may use the phone. To offer to do something, we sometimes use Can I...?: ‘Can I get you a cup of coffee?’ ‘Yes, that would be very nice.’ ‘Can I help you?’ ‘No, its all right. I can manage.’ Sometimes could has a similar meaning to may and might: The phones ringing. It could be Tim.(= it may/might be Tim) You could have left your bag in the shop.(