Modal Verbs for Possibility
(संभावना बताने वाले Modal Verbs)
Modal verbs of possibility are used to show that something may happen, might be true, or is possible, but not 100% sure.
Possibility के Modal Verbs का प्रयोग तब किया जाता है जब कोई कार्य हो सकता है, सच हो सकता है या होने की संभावना है, लेकिन पूरी निश्चितता नहीं होती।
1. MAY + V1 (70–80% Strong Possibility)
Rule
We use may + base verb (V1) when there is a strong possibility in the present or future, but we are not completely certain.
Usually there is some evidence, logical reason, or clue that makes the event likely to happen.
Hindi
जब वर्तमान या भविष्य में किसी काम के होने की अच्छी संभावना हो, लेकिन पूरी निश्चितता न हो।
Structure
Subject + may + base verb
Examples
1. It may rain today because the sky is cloudy.
आज बारिश हो सकती है क्योंकि आसमान में बादल हैं।
Explanation
The cloudy sky is evidence.
So the speaker thinks rain is likely, therefore may + V1 (rain) is used.
2. She may pass the exam as she has worked very hard.
वह परीक्षा पास कर सकती है क्योंकि उसने बहुत मेहनत की है।
Explanation
Her hard work is a strong reason that increases the chance of success.
Therefore may + pass expresses strong possibility.
3. The train may arrive late due to heavy fog.
घने कोहरे के कारण ट्रेन देर से आ सकती है।
Explanation
Heavy fog is practical evidence that trains often get delayed.
So may arrive expresses a likely possibility.
4. He may be at home because his bike is outside.
वह घर पर हो सकता है क्योंकि उसकी बाइक बाहर खड़ी है।
Explanation
Seeing his bike outside is a logical clue.
Therefore we say may be to show strong but uncertain possibility.
5. Prices may increase because fuel rates have gone up.
ईंधन की कीमतें बढ़ने के कारण दाम बढ़ सकते हैं।
Explanation
Fuel prices often affect product prices.
This economic evidence makes price rise likely, so may increase is used.
2. MIGHT + V1 (30–40% Weak Possibility)
Rule
We use might + base verb when the possibility is weak, uncertain, or only a guess.
It expresses less probability than “may.”
Hindi
जब किसी काम के होने की कम या अनिश्चित संभावना हो।
Structure
Subject + might + base verb
Examples
1. I might attend the meeting if I finish my work early.
अगर मेरा काम जल्दी खत्म हुआ तो मैं मीटिंग में शामिल हो सकता हूँ।
Explanation
Finishing work early is uncertain, so attending the meeting is only a weak possibility.
Therefore might attend is used.
2. She might know the answer as she studied this topic once.
शायद उसे उत्तर पता हो क्योंकि उसने यह विषय पहले पढ़ा था।
Explanation
Studying the topic once does not guarantee knowledge.
So the speaker makes a weak assumption using might know.
3. He might come late because of traffic.
ट्रैफिक के कारण वह देर से आ सकता है।
Explanation
Traffic may or may not cause delay, so the possibility is uncertain.
Therefore might come expresses weak probability.
4. We might go for a walk if the weather improves.
अगर मौसम ठीक हुआ तो हम टहलने जा सकते हैं।
Explanation
Weather improvement is uncertain, so the plan is only a possible idea.
Hence might go is used.
5. The shop might be closed since it is a holiday.
छुट्टी होने के कारण दुकान बंद हो सकती है।
Explanation
Although it is a holiday, not all shops close.
Therefore the speaker uses might be closed.
3. CAN + V1 (General / Theoretical Possibility)
Rule
We use can + base verb to express general truths, scientific facts, or known possibilities.
It shows that something is possible in general situations.
Hindi
सामान्य सच्चाई, वैज्ञानिक तथ्य या जानी-पहचानी संभावना के लिए।
Structure
Subject + can + base verb
Examples
1. Smoking can cause cancer according to medical studies.
चिकित्सकीय शोध के अनुसार धूम्रपान कैंसर का कारण बन सकता है।
Explanation
Medical research proves this possibility.
So can cause expresses a scientific fact.
2. Too much stress can affect health over time.
समय के साथ ज्यादा तनाव से स्वास्थ्य प्रभावित हो सकता है।
Explanation
This is a general truth observed in life.
So can affect shows general possibility.
3. This machine can break if used carelessly.
अगर लापरवाही से इस्तेमाल किया जाए तो यह मशीन खराब हो सकती है।
Explanation
Careless use creates a possible risk, so can break shows theoretical possibility.
4. Children can learn fast when taught properly.
अगर सही ढंग से सिखाया जाए तो बच्चे जल्दी सीख सकते हैं।
Explanation
This is a general observation about learning ability.
So can learn expresses general potential.
5. Lack of sleep can reduce concentration.
नींद की कमी से एकाग्रता कम हो सकती है।
Explanation
Experts and research support this idea.
Therefore can reduce expresses a general possibility.
4. COULD + V1 (50–60% Moderate Possibility)
Rule
We use could + base verb to express moderate or uncertain possibility.
It is stronger than might but weaker than may.
Hindi
जब किसी काम के होने की संभावना हो लेकिन निश्चितता न हो।
Structure
Subject + could + base verb
Examples
1. This problem could be solved with the right approach.
सही तरीके से यह समस्या हल हो सकती है।
Explanation
The solution is possible but not guaranteed, so could be solved is used.
2. He could be the right candidate based on his experience.
अपने अनुभव के आधार पर वह सही उम्मीदवार हो सकता है।
Explanation
Experience is a good clue, but the decision is not final.
Therefore could be shows moderate possibility.
3. The situation could get worse if no action is taken.
अगर कोई कदम नहीं उठाया गया तो स्थिति और खराब हो सकती है।
Explanation
This is a potential future outcome, not certainty.
Hence could get worse.
4. She could win the competition because of her talent.
अपने हुनर के कारण वह प्रतियोगिता जीत सकती है।
Explanation
Talent increases the chance, but winning is not certain.
So could win expresses possibility.
5. The road could be slippery because it rained last night.
कल रात बारिश होने के कारण सड़क फिसलन भरी हो सकती है।
Explanation
Rain is a clue, but the exact road condition is unknown.
So could be slippery is used.
5. MAY NOT + V1 (Strong Negative Possibility)
Rule
We use may not + base verb when there is a good chance that something will not happen.
Hindi
जब किसी काम के न होने की अच्छी संभावना हो।
Examples
1. He may not come today because he is unwell.
वह आज नहीं आ सकता क्योंकि वह बीमार है।
Explanation
Illness makes his arrival unlikely, so may not come is used.
2. The bus may not stop here as it is an express service.
यह एक्सप्रेस सेवा है इसलिए बस यहाँ नहीं रुक सकती।
Explanation
Express buses usually skip small stops, so may not stop.
3. She may not agree due to her different opinion.
अपनी अलग राय के कारण वह सहमत नहीं हो सकती।
Explanation
Her opinion suggests possible disagreement, so may not agree.
4. We may not finish the work because of time shortage.
समय की कमी के कारण हम काम पूरा नहीं कर सकते।
Explanation
Limited time makes completion unlikely, so may not finish.
5. The plan may not succeed without proper support.
उचित सहयोग के बिना यह योजना सफल नहीं हो सकती।
Explanation
Lack of support is a strong negative factor, so may not succeed.
6. MIGHT NOT + V1 (Very Weak Negative Possibility)
Rule
We use might not + base verb when something probably will not happen but we are not sure.
Hindi
जब किसी काम के न होने की बहुत कम लेकिन संभव संभावना हो।
Examples
1. I might not attend the class if my pain increases.
अगर दर्द बढ़ा तो शायद मैं कक्षा में शामिल न हो पाऊँ।
Explanation
Pain increase is uncertain, so might not attend is used.
2. She might not remember me as we met long ago.
हम बहुत पहले मिले थे इसलिए शायद वह मुझे याद न करे।
Explanation
Memory after a long time is uncertain, so might not remember.
3. The team might not win due to lack of practice.
अभ्यास की कमी के कारण शायद टीम न जीत पाए।
Explanation
Lack of practice reduces chances, but defeat is not certain.
4. He might not answer the call because he is driving.
वह गाड़ी चला रहा है इसलिए शायद कॉल का जवाब न दे।
Explanation
Driving makes answering calls less likely.
5. The event might not happen if permissions are delayed.
अगर अनुमति में देरी हुई तो शायद कार्यक्रम न हो पाए।
Explanation
Permissions are uncertain, so might not happen expresses weak negative possibility.
7. MUST + V1 (90–95% Strong Logical Conclusion)
Rule
We use must + base verb when we are almost certain about something because of clear evidence or strong logical reasoning.
Hindi
जब किसी बात के बारे में लगभग पूरी निश्चितता हो।
Examples
1. He must be at home; the lights are on.
वह घर पर ही होगा; क्योंकि लाइट जली हुई है।
Explanation
The lights are clear evidence, so we logically conclude must be.
2. She must be sick; she hasn’t come to school for three days.
वह बीमार ही होगी; क्योंकि वह तीन दिनों से स्कूल नहीं आई है।
Explanation
Her long absence suggests illness, so must be sick.
3. It must have rained last night; the roads are wet.
कल रात बारिश हुई ही होगी; क्योंकि सड़कें गीली हैं।
Explanation
Wet roads give strong proof, so must have rained expresses near certainty.
4. They must be very tired; they have been working all day.
वे बहुत थके हुए ही होंगे; क्योंकि वे पूरे दिन काम करते रहे हैं।
Explanation
Working all day logically leads to tiredness, so must be tired.
5. This must be his phone; his name is written on it.
यह उसी का फोन ही होगा; क्योंकि इस पर उसका नाम लिखा है।
Explanation
The name written on the phone is direct evidence, so must be is used.
Modals for Possibility in the Past
Past Modals are used to talk about events that might have happened in the past, but we are not completely certain about them.
Hindi:
Past Possibility के Modals का प्रयोग भूतकाल में हुई संभावित घटनाओं के लिए किया जाता है, जिनके बारे में पूरी निश्चितता नहीं होती।
We use them to guess or make logical conclusions about the past.
General Structure
Structure
Subject + Modal Verb + have + V3 (Past Participle)
Reason / Why this structure is used
-
Modal verb → shows possibility, deduction, or impossibility
-
have → shows that the action belongs to the past
-
V3 (Past Participle) → shows the completed action
Example
He may have forgotten the meeting.
Here
may = possibility
have = past reference
forgotten (V3) = completed action
1. MAY HAVE + V3 (60–70% Possibility)
Rule
We use may have + V3 when there is a good possibility that something happened in the past, but we are not completely sure.
Hindi
जब भूतकाल में किसी काम के होने की अच्छी संभावना हो, लेकिन पूरी निश्चितता न हो।
Examples
1. He may have missed the train because he arrived late.
वह ट्रेन छूट गया होगा क्योंकि वह देर से पहुँचा।
Explanation
We are guessing about the past because he was late.
So may have + V3 (missed) is used.
2. She may have forgotten my call because her phone was switched off.
वह मेरी कॉल भूल गई होगी क्योंकि उसका फोन बंद था।
Explanation
There is possible reason, but not certainty.
3. They may have left early after seeing the empty office.
खाली ऑफिस देखकर लगता है वे जल्दी निकल गए होंगे।
Explanation
We are making a logical guess about a past action.
4. The child may have fallen asleep from the silence in the room.
कमरे की शांति से लगता है बच्चा सो गया होगा।
Explanation
Silence gives evidence, but we are not sure.
5. He may have taken the keys since they are not on the table.
चाबियाँ मेज़ पर नहीं हैं, शायद वह ले गया होगा।
Explanation
Missing keys create a possible assumption.
2. MIGHT HAVE + V3 (40–50% Possibility)
Rule
We use might have + V3 when the possibility is weaker or more uncertain than “may have.”
Hindi
जब संभावना कम या अनिश्चित हो।
Examples
6. She might have misunderstood you because the message was unclear.
संदेश साफ़ नहीं था, शायद उसने गलत समझा हो।
Explanation
The reason exists but certainty is very low.
7. He might have gone to the market judging by the shopping list.
खरीदारी की सूची देखकर लगता है वह बाज़ार गया हो।
Explanation
We guess, but we are not confident.
8. They might have canceled the plan as nobody replied.
किसी ने जवाब नहीं दिया, शायद उन्होंने प्लान रद्द कर दिया हो।
Explanation
No response creates a weak assumption.
9. The file might have been deleted since it is missing now.
फाइल अब नहीं है, शायद डिलीट हो गई हो।
Explanation
We do not know the real reason.
10. He might have been busy seeing the unanswered calls.
मिस्ड कॉल देखकर लगता है वह व्यस्त रहा होगा।
Explanation
Missed calls create uncertain speculation.
3. COULD HAVE + V3 (Possible Past Action)
Rule
We use could have + V3 to talk about a possible action in the past or something that was possible but may or may not have happened.
Sometimes it also shows a missed opportunity.
Hindi
जब भूतकाल में कोई काम हो सकता था या संभव था, लेकिन हमें पक्का पता नहीं।
Examples
11. He could have taken a different route because the road was blocked.
सड़क बंद थी, वह दूसरा रास्ता ले सकता था।
Explanation
Another option was possible.
12. She could have left earlier as her bag is already packed.
उसका बैग पैक है, वह पहले निकल गई होगी।
Explanation
Packed bag suggests possible earlier departure.
13. They could have misunderstood the rule from their reaction.
उनके रिएक्शन से लगता है उन्होंने नियम गलत समझा होगा।
Explanation
Reaction suggests possible misunderstanding.
14. The teacher could have forgotten the meeting since she did not show up.
वह आई नहीं, शायद मीटिंग भूल गई हों।
Explanation
Absence suggests possible reason.
15. He could have called you but his phone battery was dead.
वह कॉल कर सकता था, लेकिन फोन की बैटरी खत्म थी।
Explanation
Calling was possible, but it did not happen.
4. MUST HAVE + V3 (90–95% Certainty)
Rule
We use must have + V3 when we are almost certain about a past event based on strong evidence or logical conclusion.
Hindi
जब किसी भूतकाल की घटना के बारे में लगभग पूरा विश्वास हो।
Examples
16. He must have worked very hard because he looks exhausted.
वह बहुत मेहनत कर चुका होगा क्योंकि वह थका हुआ दिख रहा है।
Explanation
Visible exhaustion → strong logical conclusion.
17. She must have reached home as the lights are on.
लाइट जल रही है, वह घर पहुँच गई होगी।
Explanation
Lights indicate strong evidence.
18. They must have heard the news from their shocked faces.
उनके चेहरे देखकर लगता है उन्होंने खबर सुन ली होगी।
Explanation
Their reaction gives clear evidence.
19. The child must have broken the glass since he is hiding.
बच्चा छिप रहा है, उसी ने शीशा तोड़ा होगा।
Explanation
Hiding suggests guilt.
20. He must have studied well because he scored high marks.
अच्छे नंबर आए हैं, उसने अच्छी पढ़ाई की होगी।
Explanation
Marks prove strong possibility.
5. CAN’T HAVE / COULDN’T HAVE + V3 (0% Possibility)
Rule
Used when we are certain something did NOT happen in the past.
Hindi
जब किसी काम के होने को असंभव बताया जाता है।
Examples
21. He can’t have done this because he was with me all day.
वह यह नहीं कर सकता था क्योंकि वह पूरा दिन मेरे साथ था।
Explanation
Clear evidence → impossible.
22. She couldn’t have written this letter as she was ill.
वह बीमार थी, यह पत्र उसने नहीं लिखा होगा।
Explanation
Illness makes the action impossible.
23. They can’t have arrived yet since the gate is locked.
गेट बंद है, वे अभी नहीं पहुँचे होंगे।
Explanation
Locked gate → impossible.
24. He couldn’t have stolen the money because CCTV shows another person.
CCTV में कोई और है, उसने पैसे नहीं चुराए होंगे।
Explanation
Video proof → impossible.
25. She can’t have forgotten the date as she set reminders.
उसने रिमाइंडर लगाया था, वह तारीख नहीं भूल सकती थी।
Explanation
Reminder reduces possibility to zero.
1. MAY NOT HAVE + V³
Rule
Structure:
Subject + may not have + V³ (past participle)
Why this rule is used
This structure is used to talk about a possibility in the past that something probably did not happen.
The speaker is not sure, but he thinks the action did not happen.
Hindi Meaning
शायद नहीं हुआ होगा / हो सकता है कि नहीं हुआ।
Examples
1. He may not have received the message.
उसे शायद संदेश नहीं मिला होगा।
Explanation:
The speaker is not sure whether he received the message. The speaker assumes that he probably didn’t receive it, so may not have + V³ (received) is used.
2. She may not have understood the question.
उसने शायद सवाल को समझा नहीं होगा।
Explanation:
The speaker thinks that there is a possibility that she didn’t understand the question, so the structure may not have + understood is used.
3. They may not have reached the station on time.
वे स्टेशन समय पर नहीं पहुंचे होंगे।
Explanation:
The speaker is guessing about the past and thinks they probably did not reach on time.
4. I may not have done it correctly.
मैंने शायद इसे सही ढंग से नहीं किया होगा।
Explanation:
The speaker is uncertain about his own past action, so he uses may not have done.
5. You may not have seen the latest movie.
तुमने शायद नई फिल्म नहीं देखी होगी।
Explanation:
The speaker assumes there is a possibility that the listener did not see the movie.
2. MIGHT NOT HAVE + V³
Rule
Structure:
Subject + might not have + V³
Why this rule is used
This structure expresses a weaker possibility in the past than “may”.
The speaker thinks there is a small chance that the action didn’t happen.
Hindi Meaning
हो सकता है कि नहीं हुआ / शायद नहीं हुआ।
Examples
1. He might not have noticed the mistake.
उसने शायद गलती को नहीं देखा होगा।
Explanation:
The speaker believes there is a slight chance that he didn’t notice the mistake, so might not have noticed is used.
2. She might not have finished her homework.
उसने शायद अपना होमवर्क पूरा नहीं किया होगा।
Explanation:
The speaker is less certain and only guessing.
3. They might not have gone to the party.
वे शायद पार्टी में नहीं गए होंगे।
Explanation:
The speaker is not sure whether they attended the party.
4. I might not have locked the door.
मैंने शायद दरवाजा बंद नहीं किया होगा।
Explanation:
The speaker is doubting his own past action.
5. You might not have understood my instructions.
तुम शायद मेरी हिदायतें नहीं समझे होंगे।
Explanation:
The speaker thinks there is a chance that the listener didn’t understand.
3. COULD NOT HAVE + V³
Rule
Structure:
Subject + could not have + V³
Why this rule is used
This structure expresses impossibility in the past.
The speaker is almost certain that the action did not happen.
Hindi Meaning
नहीं हो सकता था / असंभव था।
Examples
1. He could not have solved this problem without help.
वह बिना मदद के यह समस्या हल नहीं कर सकता था।
Explanation:
The speaker believes it was impossible for him to solve the problem alone.
2. She could not have known about the surprise.
उसे सरप्राइज के बारे में पता नहीं हो सकता था।
Explanation:
The surprise was kept secret, so it was impossible for her to know.
3. They could not have reached so quickly.
वे इतनी जल्दी नहीं पहुँच सकते थे।
Explanation:
The speaker believes it was not possible due to time or distance.
4. I could not have finished the work alone.
मैं अकेले यह काम पूरा नहीं कर सकता था।
Explanation:
The work was too difficult for one person, so it was impossible.
5. You could not have done it better.
तुम इसे इससे बेहतर नहीं कर सकते थे।
Explanation:
The speaker believes the result was already the best possible.
4. MUST NOT HAVE + V³
Rule
Structure:
Subject + must not have + V³
Why this rule is used
This structure expresses a logical conclusion in the past that something did not happen.
The speaker is almost sure based on evidence.
Hindi Meaning
ज़रूर नहीं हुआ होगा।
Examples
1. He must not have seen the email.
उसने ईमेल जरूर नहीं देखा होगा।
Explanation:
If he had seen the email, he would have replied, so the speaker concludes he didn’t see it.
2. She must not have understood the instructions.
उसने हिदायतें जरूर नहीं समझीं होंगी।
Explanation:
Because she made mistakes, the speaker concludes she did not understand.
3. They must not have reached the airport.
वे एयरपोर्ट जरूर नहीं पहुँचे होंगे।
Explanation:
Because they haven’t called yet, the speaker assumes they haven’t arrived.
4. I must not have locked the door.
मैंने दरवाजा जरूर नहीं बंद किया होगा।
Explanation:
Because the door is open, the speaker concludes he didn’t lock it.
5. You must not have read the notice.
तुमने नोटिस जरूर नहीं पढ़ा होगा।
Explanation:
If the notice had been read, the listener would know the rule.
5. CANNOT HAVE / CAN’T HAVE + V³
Rule
Structure:
Subject + cannot have / can’t have + V³
Why this rule is used
This structure expresses strong impossibility in the past.
The speaker believes something was definitely impossible.
Hindi Meaning
हो ही नहीं सकता था / बिल्कुल असंभव था।
Examples
1. He cannot have done it alone.
वह यह अकेले नहीं कर सकता था।
Explanation:
The task was too big for one person, so it was impossible.
2. She cannot have forgotten your birthday.
उसने तुम्हारा जन्मदिन भूल ही नहीं सकती।
Explanation:
The speaker believes she always remembers important dates, so forgetting is impossible.
3. They cannot have finished the project so fast.
वे प्रोजेक्ट इतनी जल्दी पूरा ही नहीं कर सकते थे।
Explanation:
The speaker believes the time was insufficient.
4. I cannot have left my keys here.
मैं अपनी चाबियाँ यहाँ छोड़ ही नहीं सकता।
Explanation:
The speaker is confident he did not leave them here.
5. You cannot have misunderstood me.
तुम मुझे गलत समझ ही नहीं सकते थे।
Explanation:
The speaker believes his explanation was very clear, so misunderstanding seems impossible.
Common Mistakes
1. Using can for present possibility
❌ Incorrect
It can be raining now.
✅ Correct
It may be raining now.
It might be raining now.
📌 Rule
Can is generally not used for present possibility in affirmative sentences.
✔ Correct uses
It may/might rain today.
2. Using may/might for ability
❌ Incorrect
I may swim very well.
✅ Correct
I can swim very well.
📌 Rule
May/might = possibility
Can = ability
3. Using must for possibility
❌ Incorrect
He must come today (meaning maybe)
✅ Correct
He may/might come today
📌 Rule
Must = strong certainty
May/Might = possibility
✔ Example
He must be at home.
(Strong belief)
4. Confusing may and might
❌ Incorrect belief
May = 100% possibility
Might = 10%
✅ Correct understanding
Both express possibility.
✔ Examples
He may come today.
He might come today.
Difference is very small.
5. Using can in affirmative possibility sentences
❌ Incorrect
She can be at home now.
✅ Correct
She may/might be at home now.
📌 Rule
Can is mainly used for:
✔ questions
✔ negative possibility
Examples
Can he be serious?
This can’t be true.
6. Wrong structure after modal verbs
❌ Incorrect
He may comes tomorrow.
She might goes there.
✅ Correct
He may come tomorrow.
She might go there.
📌 Rule
Modal verbs + base form (V1)
7. Wrong structure with past possibility
❌ Incorrect
He may went there.
She might did it.
✅ Correct
He may have gone there.
She might have done it.
📌 Rule
Past possibility =
modal + have + V3
8. Confusing must have + V3
❌ Incorrect meaning
He must have stolen the money.
(Meaning maybe)
✅ Correct meaning
He must have stolen the money.
(Strong belief about past)
📌 Rule
Must have + V3 = strong deduction about the past
9. Using can’t have + V3
Example
He can’t have done it.
Meaning
It is impossible that he did it.
📌 Very strong negative deduction.
10. Wrong negative possibility
❌ Incorrect
He must not be at home (for possibility)
✅ Correct
He may not be at home
He might not be at home
📌 Rule
Must not = prohibition, not possibility.
FAQs about Possibility Modals
1. Difference between may and might
Almost the same.
May = slightly more possible
Might = slightly less possible
Example
It may rain.
It might rain.
2. Can we use could for possibility?
Yes.
Example
He could be the thief.
Meaning
Maybe he is the thief.
3. Difference between could and might
Very small difference.
Both mean possibility.
Example
He could come tomorrow.
He might come tomorrow.
4. Difference between may have + V3 and might have + V3
Both mean past possibility.
Example
He may have missed the train.
He might have missed the train.
Meaning
Maybe he missed the train.
5. Difference between must have + V3 and may have + V3
Example
He must have left.
(I’m almost sure)
He may have left.
(I’m not sure)
6. Can we use can for possibility?
Yes, but mostly in:
✔ questions
✔ negative sentences
Example
Can this be true?
This can’t be true.
7. Difference between can’t be and must be
He must be at home.
(Strong belief)
He can’t be at home.
(Impossible)
8. Structure of possibility modals
Present Possibility
Subject + modal + V1
Example
He may come.
Past Possibility
Subject + modal + have + V3
Example
He might have come.