May as a modal verb

May as a modal verb

"May" is a modal verb most commonly used to express possibility. It can also be used to give or request permission, although this usage is becoming less common.

• 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

"May" as a possibility:

• Jack may be upset. I can't really tell if he is annoyed or tired. (Present)

• Jack may have been upset. I couldn't really tell if he was annoyed or tired. (Past)

• Jack may get upset if you don't tell him the truth. (Future)

• Jack may not be upset. Perhaps he is tired. (Present)

• Jack may not have been upset. Perhaps he was tired. (Past)

• Jack may not get upset, even if you tell him the truth. (Future)

"May" to give permission

• You may leave the table now that you're finished with your dinner.

• You were allowed to leave the table after you finished your dinner.

• You may leave the table when you finish your dinner.

• You may not leave the table. You're not finished with your dinner yet.

• You were not allowed to leave the table because you hadn't finished your dinner.

• You may not leave the table until you are finished with your dinner.

"May" to request permission

• May I borrow your eraser?

• May I make a phone call?

• Requests usually refer to the near future.