May seems cryptic or if not befuddling. I think taking a look at it again is the best thing we must do, to refresh our understanding of modal verb may or update it as we know English goes forward as fast as technology does.
In general, may is a modal verb signifying that something could be true, or could have happened, or will possibly happen in the future: I may not be able to meet you. He may have been working too hard. A verdict may be announced today. There seems to have some vagueness, however.
May indicates possibility - it shows that something is possibly true: That may be the best way to do it. There may be other problems that we don't know about. I may see you tomorrow before I leave. The cause of the accident may never be discovered. The explosion may have been caused by a faulty electrical connection. We'd better not interfere - she may not like it. There may be some evidence to suggest she's guilty, but it's hardly conclusive.
The modal indicates that something could happen - it points toward that something could have happened, or could happen in the future: The crash may well have been caused by faulty brakes. The comet may be remembered best for its non-scientific impact.
May also indicates permission, indicating that somebody is asking somebody for permission or giving somebody permission to do something; however this is rather formal and not used very often in modern spoken English: May I leave the table? - No, you may not. A reader may borrow up to six books at any one time. ‘May I help myself to some more food?’ – ‘Yes, of course.’ Hi, my name's Tiffany. How may I help you? Can and cannot (or can’t) are the most common words used for asking for, giving or refusing permission: Can I borrow your calculator? You can come with us if you want to. You can’t park your car there.
May indicates right – it indicates that somebody has a legal or moral right to do something: You may withdraw money from this account at any time. That’s why you can often see may in contracts as well.
It, too, indicates requests or suggestions. It indicates polite requests, suggestions, or offers: May I remind you of our earlier agreement? May I help you with that bag?
It also indicates wish, indicating that somebody wishes for something very strongly: May God bless us, every one. Courage seems now to have deserted him. May it quickly reappear.
May, too, is used when admitting that something is true before introducing another point, argument, etc.: He may be a good father but he's a terrible husband.
It is also used to say what the purpose of something is: There is a need for more resources so that all children may have a decent education.
The idiom be that as it may means despite that or nevertheless: I know that he has tried hard; be that as it may, his work is just not good enough. It sounds elegant, right?
No comments:
Post a Comment