Fill in the blanks with may or can.
1Jane is very late. She ............... the train.
Wrong!
Use "may have missed" to talk about a possible past event.
2There ............... a strike next week.
Wrong!
Use "may be" for a specific future possibility.
3I ............... read what I liked when I was a child.
Wrong!
Use "could" for general ability or permission in the past.
4There is nothing to do. We ............... as well go to bed.
Wrong!
Use "may" in the fixed expression "may as well".
5............... you both be very happy!
Wrong!
Use "May" to introduce a formal wish or blessing.
6My little brother is only four, but he ............... read already.
Wrong!
Use "can" to talk about ability in the present.
7He ............... be clever, but he has not got much common sense.
Wrong!
Use "may" in the contrast structure "may be clever, but".
8Do you think it ............... rain this afternoon?
Wrong!
Use "may" for a specific future possibility.
Answers
- Jane is very late. She may have missed the train.
- There may be a strike next week.
- I could read what I liked when I was a child.
- There is nothing to do. We may as well go to bed.
- May you both be very happy!
- My little brother is only four, but he can read already.
- He may be clever, but he has not got much common sense.
- Do you think it may rain this afternoon?