25/2/2016
ENGLISH PAGE May
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May
f
t
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"May" is most commonly used to express possibility. It can also be used to give or request
permission, although this usage is becoming less common.
Examples:
Cheryl may be at home, or perhaps at work. possibility
Johnny, you may leave the table when you have finished your dinner. give
permission
May I use your bathroom? request permission
Using "May" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below
to learn how "may" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use
Positive Forms
Negative Forms
Also
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. =
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. =
use:
Future
Future
1. Jack may be upset. I can't
1. Jack may not be upset.
really tell if he is annoyed or
Perhaps he is tired.
tired.
may
possibility
2. Jack may have been upset. I
couldn't really tell if he was
annoyed or tired.
might
2. Jack may not have been upset.
Perhaps he was tired.
3. Jack may not get upset, even if
you tell him the truth
3. Jack may get upset if you
don't tell him the truth.
1. You may leave the table now
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1. You may not leave the table.
can
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25/2/2016
ENGLISH PAGE May
may
give
permission
that you're finished with your
You're not finished with your
dinner.
dinner yet.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED
2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO"
TO"
You were not allowed to leave the
You were allowed to leave the
table because you hadn't finished
table after you finished your
your dinner.
dinner.
may
3. You may not leave the table
3. You may leave the table
until you are finished with your
when you finish your dinner.
dinner.
May I borrow your eraser?
NO NEGATIVE FORMS
May I make a phone call?
can,
might
request
permission Requests usually refer to the
near future.
EXERCISES AND RELATED TOPICS
Modal Exercise 5 have got to, had better, may and shall
Modal Exercise 7 modal verb forms
Modal Verb Final Test complete review
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