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Understanding and Using Modal Verbs (#2), by Dennis Oliver
Modal Verbs #2:
Individual Modal Verbs
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The English modal verbs are often challenging for learners
of English. This happens for many
reasons, including both
grammar and meaning.
Beginning with this Hint,
we'll get information on individual
modal verbs.
The first is may.
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May #1:
Present and Future Time
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For present
and future time, the modal auxiliary may
is used
in two ways: (1) to talk about possibility and (2) to ask for
permission. For these meanings in present and future time,
use may +
a simple verb.
Examples: possibility
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A:
B:
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Where's George?
I don't know. He may be in class.
(It's possible
that George is in class.)
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A:
B:
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What are your plans for tonight?
I'm not sure. I may go to a movie.
(It's possible that I'll go to a movie.)
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A:
B:
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Do you have change for a dollar?
I'm not sure. I may. Let me see.
(It's possible that I
have change for a dollar.)
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Examples: permission
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A:
B:
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We're finished with our work.
May we leave?
(Do we have
your permission to leave?)
Yes, you may. (Yes, you may leave. / Yes, you
have
my permission to leave.)
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A:
B:
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May I borrow your dictionary?
(Do
I have your permission to
borrow your dictionary?)
Of course you may. (Of course you may
borrow my dictionary.
/ Of course you have
my permission to borrow my
dictionary.)
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A:
B:
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May my friends go to the party with me?
(Do my friends have your permission to go
to
the party with me?)
No, they may not. (No, your friends may not
go to
the party with you. / No, your friends
do not
have my permission to go to the party
with you.
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Special
Notes:
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may be and maybe
Maybe and may be
have similar meanings,
but different grammar:
Maybe she's worried. /
She
may be worried.
Maybe I'll be at Sarah's party. /
I
may be at Sarah's party.
Maybe there'll be a test tomorrow. /
There may
be a test tomorrow.
A: Is Bob angry?
B:
I don't know. Maybe. / He may be.
(Maybe
is used before a sentence; may be
comes after a subject--and often before
a
phrase.)
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| 2. |
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may for permission
When asking permission, do
not use may
with you:
not this: *May you help me?
(It isn't logical to ask someone
to give himself
or herself permission to do something.)
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Next: more modal
verbs
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