When you are not entirely sure, but only feel that something is possible:
- might / may / could: possible, perhaps.
（天气it）It 可能might 下雨rain 稍后later.
It might rain later.
他们They 可能may 在be （在）at 家home.
They might be at home.
Degree of Certainty Comparison:
- Very certain: must (is) / can't (is not).
- Uncertain: might / may / could (possible).
Note All these modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb: might be, must be (not might is).
Common Errors
- ❌ ~~It can be John at the door.~~ → ✓ It could / might be John. — Use could / might for speculation about a specific instance; can only indicates "general possibility."
- ❌ ~~He might not can come.~~ → ✓ He might not be able to come. — Two modal verbs cannot be used together; replace the second with be able to / have to.
- ❌ ~~Maybe he be late. / It may be rain.~~ → ✓ Maybe he is late. / It may rain. — maybe is an adverb and follows normal sentence structure; may is a modal verb and is followed by the base form. Do not mix them up.
- ❌ ~~She must is tired.~~ → ✓ She must be tired. — A modal verb is always followed by the base form of the verb.
