May and Might

may

We can use 'may' to ask for permission. However this is rather formal and not used very often in modern spoken English

• May I borrow your pen?
• May we think about it?
• May I go now?

We use 'may' to suggest something is possible

• It may rain later today.
• I may not have time to do it today.
• Pete may come with us

might

We use 'might' to suggest a small possibility of something. Often we read that 'might' suggests a smaller possibility that 'may', there is in fact little difference and 'might is more usual than 'may' in spoken English.

• She might be at home by now but it's not sure at all.
• It might rain this afternoon.
• I might not have time to go to the shops for you.
• I might not go.

For the past, we use 'might have'.

• He might have tried to call while I was out.
• I might have dropped it in the street.

Cr: English Grammar - May Might

Can

'Can'?

Do you think that 'Can' is A can of coke?

No! Can is one of a modals in grammar.

Here are the examples of Can in a sentences

We use 'can' to talk about 'possibility'.

• Can you do that?
• I can't manage to do that.
• You can leave your car in that parking space.
• You cannot smoke in here.

Notice that there are two negative forms: 'can't' and 'cannot'. These mean exactly the same thing. When we are speaking, we usually say 'can't'.

We use 'can' to talk about 'ability'.

• I can speak French.
• I can't drive.

We use 'can' to ask for and give permission. (We also use 'may' for this but is more formal and much less common.)

• Can I speak to you or are you too busy?
• You can use my phone.
• You can't come in.

We use 'can' in offers, requests and instructions.

• Can I help?
• Can you give me a hand?
• When you finish that, you can take out the garbage.

We use 'can' with 'see' 'hear' 'feel' 'smell' 'taste' to talk about something which is happening now . (Where you would use the present continuous with most other verbs.)

• I can smell something burning.
• Can you hear that noise?
• I can't see anything.

We can use 'can't' for deduction. The opposite of 'can't' in this context is 'must'.

• You can't be hungry. You've just eaten.
• You must be hungry. You haven't eaten anything all day.
• He was in London one hour ago when I spoke to him. He can't be here yet.

Cr: English Grammar - Can

Word Grammar - Could Have

We can use 'could have'  to talk about something somebody was capable of doing but didn't do.

• I could have gone to Oxford University but I preferred Harvard.
• She could have married him but she didn't want to.
• They could have bought a house here 20 years ago but chose not to.

Often, there is a sense of criticism.

• You could have phoned me to let me know.
• They could have helped me instead of just sitting there.
•  I could have done more to help you. Sorry.

We can use 'couldn't have' to talk about something we were not capable of doing.

• I couldn't have managed without you.
• I couldn't have got the job. He was always going to appoint his nephew.
• I couldn't have enjoyed myself more. Thank you for a lovely day.

We can use 'could have' to speculate about what has happened. (We can also use 'may have' or 'might have' in these situations.)

• She could have taken the earlier train.
• Simon could have told her.
• They could have overheard what we said.

We can also use 'can have' to speculate about what has happened but only in questions and negative sentences and with words such as 'hardly', 'never' and 'only'.

• Can she have forgotten about our meeting?
• He can't have seen us.
• They can hardly have thought that I was not interested in the job.

We can also use 'could have' to speculate about something that didn't happen.

• You could have broken your neck, jumping out the window like that.
• He could have hurt somebody, throwing a bottle out of the window like that.
• I could have done well in my exam if I'd worked harder.

You can also use 'could have' to talk about possible present situations that have not happened.

• I could have been earning a lot as an accountant but the work was just too boring.
• He could have been Prime Minister now but he got involved in a big financial scandal.
• They could have been the market leaders now if they had taken his advice.

Wow... So many 'Could Have' word are used in here, but most of them are in a sad tone... I hope that doesn't affect the Dreamers after reading this post.

Cr: English Grammar - Could Have

Word Grammar - For

Hello!

Today we will learn about grammar. Yeah grammar, actually I'm not very good in grammar, but I will do my best to share you about it.This time I will show you one of the common word that is used in grammar, the Word Grammar of For.

What is For? For has three different functions: 1. For as preposition or post-position; 2. For as Complement; and 3. For as Conjunction (Grammar).

The 'for' that I will explain in this blog is For as Conjunction. Before that, what is conjunction? Conjunction is a Grammar use in a small class of words distinguished in many languages by their function as-connectors between words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, as and, because, but, however.

Now we're back to 'for', below here you can read the definition of 'for' and also the example sentences of for in different meanings and its functions.

for

—used to indicate the place someone or something is going to or toward—used to indicate the person or thing that something is sent or given to—used to indicate the thing that something is meant to be used with

Word Grammar - For (Part 1)*

We can sometimes use for + ing to talk about the purpose of a thing. When we do, it means the same as to + infinitive.

• What is that for? It is for opening envelopes
• This bell is for calling the waiter.
• This bell is to call the waiter.

When we talk about the purpose of somebody's actions, we cannot use for + ing.

• I went there to ask for help.
• You will have to queue a long time. to get tickets.

However, it is sometimes possible to use for + noun for this.

• I went there for help.
• You will have to queue a long timefor tickets.

We can also use for + object + infinitive to talk about a purpose.

• I gave her a notebook for her to write down new English words she found.
• They sent a form for me to sign.

We also use the pattern for + object + infinitive in sentences after is or was.

• The plan is for us to get to Barcelona by lunchtime.
• The objective was for them to get the work finished by the end of last month.

We can add details to a noun by using the pattern for + object + infinitive

• That is an expensive place for them to stay.
• There is a lot of work for us to do.
• There is no need for you to be so aggressive.

We also use the pattern for + object + infinitive after certain verbs and adjectives.

• I am waiting for him to make the first move.
• I have arranged for you to see the bank manager tomorrow morning.
• We are keen for you to take the job.
• I think it would be good for you to take a break now.

Word Grammar - For (Part 2)*

We can use for to mean ‘because’. We only use this in very formal English.

• The divers have to be careful for a sudden change in conditions could be dangerous.
• Read the instructions carefully for you will only get one chance to enter the information.

We can use for to talk about a purpose or a reason.

• What did you that for?
• What is that for?
• Thank you for your letter.
• I don’t have enough money for the ticket. 
• I need treatment for my bad back.

For can mean that you are in favour**/favor*** of something.

• He is for the idea of cutting taxes.
• I am for this change in the way we do things.
• You need to stand up for what is right.

We can use for with expressions of time and distance.

• I walked for miles.
• I waited for a long time.
• We will be away for the next week.

Sometimes we can omit the for completely in these expressions without changing the meaning.

• I walked miles.
• I waited a long time.

With the present perfect, for refers to a length of time. Since refers to the starting point.

• I have studied English for seven years.
• I have studied English since I was 12.

Here are some useful expressions using for

• I enclose a cheque**/check*** for 100 euros
• What’s another word for stupid?
• I’ve known him for ages.
• I am all for making this change.
• Get ready.  -What for?   -Anne is coming.

*Direct Link to Video Tutorial

**British Spellings

***American Spellings

Credits: English Grammar Lessons ; Dictionary.Com ; YouTube.Com ; Merriam-Webster.Com ; Wikipedia.Com.

So... Here are the explanations about Word Grammar 'For'. Still confused with it? I am available to explain more, just type them on the comment box.