key term - May

Definition

May is a modal verb that expresses possibility, permission, or a request. It helps indicate uncertainty about an action or situation and is often used to suggest that something is allowed or permitted, as well as to express a degree of doubt regarding future events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. May is often used in formal contexts to grant permission, such as in 'You may leave the room.'
2. In questions, 'may' can be used to politely request permission, for example, 'May I borrow your pen?'
3. When expressing possibility, 'may' indicates that something is plausible but not guaranteed, like in 'It may rain tomorrow.'
4. 'May' can also be used in conditional sentences to express hypothetical situations, for instance, 'If you hurry, you may catch the bus.'
5. In some legal or formal documents, 'may' indicates an option rather than a requirement, meaning the action is permitted but not obligatory.

Review Questions

• How does the use of 'may' differ from 'can' when granting permission?
  • 'May' is often considered more formal and polite compared to 'can' when granting permission. While both can be used to allow an action, 'may' suggests a level of respect and formality, making it suitable for official contexts. For example, saying 'You may proceed' carries a different tone than 'You can proceed,' which feels more casual and direct.
• In what ways does 'may' convey different meanings when discussing possibilities versus permissions?
  • 'May' serves dual roles in language; it conveys both permission and possibility. When used to express permission, it suggests that an action is allowed (e.g., 'You may enter'). In contrast, when indicating possibility, it implies that something could happen but isn't certain (e.g., 'It may rain'). This flexibility allows speakers to communicate nuanced meanings based on context.
• Evaluate the implications of using 'may' in legal documents versus everyday conversation.
  • 'May' carries significant weight in legal documents where it denotes permission without obligation. This creates clear distinctions about what actions are optional rather than mandatory. In everyday conversation, however, 'may' functions more casually to express politeness or uncertainty. Understanding this difference is crucial because misuse in legal contexts can lead to misunderstandings about rights and responsibilities, while casual use can affect how requests and offers are perceived socially.

Related terms

might:

Might is another modal verb similar to may but typically indicates a lower probability or a more hypothetical scenario.

can:

Can is a modal verb that expresses ability or possibility but is generally more definitive than may when granting permission.

must:

Must is a modal verb indicating necessity or obligation, often suggesting that something is required rather than just possible.