Mastering English Modals, Questions, and Everyday Conversations

Understanding "May" and "Might" for Possibility

Use may or might to show a possibility in the present or future.

Examples of "May" and "Might" in Use

• She may be at home.
• I might start a catering business.

Forming Negatives with "May" and "Might"

The negative form of may is may not, and for might, it is might not.

• They may not come to dinner.
• We might not eat out tonight.

Important Note: May and might do not add -s in the third person singular (e.g., "He may go," not "He mays go").

Mastering English Tag Questions

We often use tag questions after statements when we think we know the answer to a question.

Structure of Tag Questions

If the statement is affirmative, the tag is negative, and vice versa.

Example:

• You live in Winnipeg (statement), don’t you (tag question)?

Discussing Occupations and Life Updates

Here's a common way to ask and tell about an occupation:

Person A: What do you do?

Person B: I have a catering business.

Person A: How did you first get into that?

Person B: Well, cooking was my hobby. And one thing led to another. What about you?

Person A: I’m a full-time mom.

Person B: That’s great. How many kids do you have?

Person A: Two.

Sharing Opinions and Confirming Locations

Learn how to ask for and give an opinion, and how to confirm a location:

Person A: How’s that new Indian restaurant?

Person B: So-so. The food’s OK, but the service is lousy. If you like Indian food, why don’t you try Delhi Gardens? It’s a lot better.

Person A: That’s next to the movie theater, isn’t it?

Person B: Yes. You can’t miss it.

Essential Restaurant Vocabulary

Meal:

Food prepared for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Most people eat three meals a day.

Course:

A part of a meal. This dinner has three courses: soup, a main dish, and dessert.

Appetizer:

A small course that begins some meals. My favorite appetizer is soup.

Entrée:

Another name for “main dish” or “main course.” Chicken is a common entrée.

Reservation:

A promise from a restaurant to save you a table at a specific time.

Tip:

Money given to the waiter or waitress to show satisfaction with their service.

Fast Food:

Food prepared and served quickly and informally, usually in a self-service restaurant. Sometimes called a fast-food restaurant.

Junk Food:

Food that may taste good but isn’t very good for your health.

Gain Weight:

Someone who has gained weight weighs more now than in the past.

Lose Weight:

Someone who has lost weight weighs less now than in the past.

Nutritious:

Nutritious food is food that is good for your health.