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May or Might   The two words “may and might” seem interchangeable, but there are differences between the two words when using them in sentences. If you want to be a technical writer and use formal and technical language, you must know the differences. In this article, we are going to discuss the differences between may and might. After reading the article, you will be able to use the correct word. Uses of May or Might Uses of May Permission The modal verb “may” is used to take permission or give permission. The word “may” is more common in American English when it is used for permission. May I have a seat? May she meet you at your office? You may have a seat. She may meet me at my office. Probability We use “may” when there is a high probability of something occurring. She may attend the party today. It is cloudy. It may rain. Uses of Might Permission The modal verb “might” is commonly used to take permission or to give permission in British English. It is also used in American En...

Subject Complement     Meaning Complement means something that is added to complete. A subject complement is a thing (grammatical structure) that completes a subject in a sentence. Definition A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and identifies or renames the subject in a sentence. The meal that you have prepared smells delicious . Ali is a good doctor . In the above examples, the word “delicious” and the phrase “a good doctor” are subject complements. They follow the linking verbs “smells and is”. The complements complete the subjects by giving more information. Types of Subject Complements We have two types of subject complements. Predicative Nominative A noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames the subject in a sentence is called a predicate nominative. Remember that a noun phrase/clause that follows a linking verb is also called a predicate nominative. My best teacher is Ali . He is an English teacher . The teacher was the one...

Infinitive Phrase   Before discussing the infinitive phrase, it is important to know what a phrase is. Phrase A phrase is a group of words without a subject and verb used as a single part of speech. My brother bought a new car. “My brother” is a group of words that does not have a subject and a verb. This group is used as a single part of speech in this sentence. When we replace it with the word “John”, it gives the same meaning. Infinitive An infinitive is a non-finite verb that does not show an action. We can use it as a noun, adjective, or adverb. An infinitive cannot be conjugated by adding any suffix. We don’t use it as a main verb. It is always used in its original form. I want to teach you English this year. Definition of Infinitive Phrase An infinitive phrase is a phrase that has an infinitive plus any modifiers or complements. To become a teacher is a respectable profession.  “To become a teacher” is an infinitive phrase. It consists of the infinitive “to become”, th...