Learn English Grammar and Vocabulary
Uses of May
May is used to ask for and give permission.
- May I come in, Sir?
- Yes, you may.
- May I go now?
- No, you may not.
Nowadays may not is not commonly used to deny permission. Instead we use cannot.
- ‘May I go now?’ ‘No, you can’t.‘
This usage is probably encouraged by the fact that the contraction can’t is easier to pronounce than the contraction mayn’t.
Possibility
May can be used to talk about possibility.
- She may come or she may not.
- He may win the first prize.
May is also used in expressing a wish.
- May his soul rest in peace!
- May God bless you!
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