Busca entre varios profesores de Inglés...
Jasmine ♪
★ Is "might" the present tense?
My grammar book says "might" is the past tense of "may", but we should use it as the present tense. I'm wondering why some auxiliary verbs work as the present tense, even those forms are the past. Could you tell me why?
27 de may. de 2012 17:58
Respuestas · 4
1
The problem is that you're trying to understand hypothetical concepts as concrete things. This is not possible. Your book is misleading you.
"Might" signifies a possibility, but a highly unlikely one. That's it. Past and present tense (ie. real past and present) don't come into it.
27 de mayo de 2012
1
It just so happens that "might" is a verb form of it's own, and so it is "might" in the present tense. But it also is the past tense of the verb "may." This causes much confusion for English speakers, too. (Another verb pair I can think of that easily half of all English speakers use incorrectly is "lie" and "lay." People are forever saying, "I'm going to lay down." Yech!)
For a much more thorough explanation of "might" and "may," go to http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/may-might.aspx. I think you will find it VERY helpful.
27 de mayo de 2012
Your question makes perfect sense.
27 de mayo de 2012
By the way, do you understand what I'm trying to say? I'm afraid if my question makes you complicated. If it is, please feel free to feedback. It would make my language skill more improve. Thanks a lot :D.
27 de mayo de 2012
¿No has encontrado las respuestas?
¡Escribe tus preguntas y deja que los hablantes nativos te ayuden!
Jasmine ♪
Competencias lingüísticas
Inglés, Japonés, Tailandés
Idioma de aprendizaje
Inglés, Tailandés
Artículos que podrían gustarte

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
18 votos positivos · 14 Comentarios

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
15 votos positivos · 12 Comentarios

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
12 votos positivos · 6 Comentarios
Más artículos
