Modals of Possibility
Let’s learn about expressing possibility now.
The verbs may, might and could show possibility now and in the future.
In this case, they have the same meaning. Look at this conversation:
A: My mother said that it may snow tomorrow.
B: Really? It might snow?! That’s great! I could make a snowman or go for a “snow” walk.
A: Don’t get too excited. If the temperature is high, it may not snow. It may rain.
B: Well, I guess I could still go for a walk in the rain.
Be careful with may + “be” and “maybe”. Compare these sentences. Both are correct.
Ann is not here today. She may be sick. ➨ “may be” is a modal.
Ann is not here today. Maybe she is sick. ➨ “Maybe” is an adverb.
Note: 'may' only occurs in the simple form (it does not take an 's' with 'he', 'she' and 'it').
'May', 'might' and 'could' never take 'to'.