may
may — modal verb
1. shows that something has a chance of happening or being true, though you are not
shows that something has a chance of happening or being true, though you are not completely sure about it; you present your statement as a possibility rather than a certainty.
The train from Glasgow may arrive late because of the heavy snow on the tracks.
may + base verb: suggesting a real possibility
Sofia may not come to the party tonight since she has a bad cold.
negative form: may not
There may be a few seats left if we get to the theater early.
The doctor said the test results may take up to a week to come back.
If you check the lost property office, your umbrella may be there.
文法句型
may + base verb
may + be
may + not + base verb
may well + base verb
用法筆記
Compare with might (which suggests less certainty) and can (which suggests a general truth or ability). In everyday speech, many British speakers prefer might for possibility, while may sounds slightly more formal or written-register.
常見錯誤
2. used to politely ask whether you are allowed to do something, or to tell someone
used to politely ask whether you are allowed to do something, or to tell someone that they have permission to do it — for example, a child asking a teacher May I get a drink of water? or a sign saying visitors may park in the lot behind the building.
May I borrow your pen for a moment to write down this address?
May I + verb: polite request for permission
You may leave the classroom once you have finished the exam.
You may + verb: granting permission
Students may use their phones during the break but not in class.
May we sit at this table near the window, please?
Children under twelve may enter the museum for free on Sundays.
- can
less formal and more common in everyday spoken requests
- could
more hesitant or tentative than may, common in polite British requests
- be allowed to
explicit rather than modal; useful when tense or non-modal structure is needed
文法句型
May + subject + base verb?
You may + base verb
subject + may not + base verb
用法筆記
More formal than can for permission. In casual everyday conversation, native speakers typically use can (Can I borrow your pen?). May I is considered the most polite and correct choice in formal situations, with teachers, or with strangers.
常見錯誤
3. expresses a strong hope or desire that something good will happen for someone —
expresses a strong hope or desire that something good will happen for someone — used in fixed blessing-like expressions such as May you have a long and happy life together or May peace be with you.
May your wedding day be filled with joy and surrounded by the people you love.
May + subject + base verb: blessing formula
The old woman smiled and said, 'May your journey home be safe.'
May the new year bring you health, happiness, and success in all you do.
Emre whispered to his teammate, 'May the best team win,' before the match began.
May all your dreams come true as you begin this new chapter of your life.
文法句型
May + subject + base verb!
用法筆記
This sense follows a distinct inversion pattern: May + subject + base verb — it does NOT follow the usual subject + auxiliary order. It is mainly used in formal blessings, toasts, ceremonial wishes, and some fixed expressions. In everyday speech, I hope is far more common.
常見錯誤
may — noun
1. the small white or pale pink flowers that bloom on the hawthorn tree in spring,
the small white or pale pink flowers that bloom on the hawthorn tree in spring, often seen in hedgerows and countryside landscapes in Britain.
The may was in full bloom along the lane, filling the air with a sweet smell.
Farmers say that a heavy crop of may means a warm summer will follow.
crop of may: traditional weather lore
Rin picked some may from the hedge and put it in a jar on her desk.
In early spring, the may trees in the valley are covered in tiny white blossoms.
The sweet perfume of may drifted across the garden from the hedge.
- hawthorn blossom
the more common standard term for the same flowers
- hawthorn flowers
descriptive rather than a single-word synonym
文法句型
the + may
may + blossom
may + tree
用法筆記
This is a British regional term for hawthorn blossom. The word may is often uncountable (the may was beautiful). The tree itself is called hawthorn, not may, though may tree is sometimes heard. This sense is not widely known among younger speakers.
常見錯誤
2. the month between April and June, with 31 days; it is the start of summer in the
the month between April and June, with 31 days; it is the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and a time when trees blossom and temperatures rise.
My cousin's wedding is planned for the second Saturday in May.
in + May: saying when something happens
The cherry blossoms in the park usually open during the first week of May.
the first/last + week + of + May
Devika will finish her final exams in May and then fly to Japan.
The garden centre opens at the beginning of May and closes in September.
In many countries, workers celebrate International Workers' Day on the first of May.
文法句型
in + May
early/late + May
May + day/date
on + date + of + May
用法筆記
Always capitalize May when referring to the month. Use in before the month alone (in May), but on before a specific date (on May 5th). With early, late, or mid, no preposition is needed when used adverbially (The flowers bloom early May).