Understanding and Using Modal Verbs: Understanding and Using Modal Verbs (#6)

The English modal verbs are often challenging for learners
of English. This happens for many reasons, including both
grammar and meaning.

In the previous Hint, we looked at one use for might. In this
Hint, we'll take a look at two others.

We have already seen that the modal auxiliary might is used
to show possibility in present or future time. Two other uses
are in asking very politely for permission and in making very
polite requests. (In both of these uses, may is also possible,
but might is "softer," more formal, more deferential, and
less direct than may.)

Examples:

Might I help you?

(The meaning is the same as "May I help you?," but "softer,"
more formal, and less direct.)

Might we leave the room, sir?

(Again, the meaning is the same as "May we leave the room?,"
but the use of might makes this request less direct, more formal,
and more deferential.)

Might I have a little more of that delicious cake, Mrs. Chávez?

(The speaker is using very polite language in his/her request.)

__________________________________________________

Special Notes: