26- Grammar

Might

* "Might" is most commonly used to express possibility. It is also often used in conditional sentences. English speakers can also use "might" to make suggestions or requests, although this is less common in American English.

Examples:

* Your purse might be in the living room. - ( possibility)

# Sua bolsa pode estar na sala.

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* If Larissa didn't have to work, She might go with you. ( conditional )

# Se Larissa não tivesse que trabalhar, ela podia ir com você.

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* You might visit the botanical gardens during your visit . -( suggestion )

# Você podia visitar o Jardim Botãnico durante sua visita.

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* Might I borrow your pen? - ( request )

# Pode emprestar sua caneta?

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"Might not" vs. "Could not"

"Might not" suggests you do not know if something happens.

"Could not" suggests that it is impossible for something to happen.

Examples:

* J.B. might not have the key. - Maybe he does not have the key.

* J.B. could not have the key. - It is impossible that he has the key.

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Can

"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility.

Examples:

* Larissa can ride a horse. ( ability )

* She can stay with her sister when she is in the U.S.A..( opportunity)

* She cannot stay out after 10 PM. ( permission )

* Can you hand me the stapler ? ( request )

* Any child can grow up to be president.( possibility)

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Could

"Could" is used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. "Could" is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of "can."

Examples:

* Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city.( possibility)

* Junior could ski like a pro by the age of 11.( past ability)

* You could see a movie or go out to dinner. (suggestion)

* Could I use your computer to email my boss? (request)

* We could go on the trip if I didn't have to work this weekend.( conditional)

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Should

"Should" is most commonly used to make recommendations or give advice. It can also be used to express obligation as well as expectation.

Examples:

* When you go to São Paulo, you should visit the Parque Antartica Stadium. (recommendation).

* You should focus more on your family and less on work. ( advice)

* I really should be in the office by 7:00 AM.( obligation)

* By now, they should already be in Georgia. ( expectation)

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