may Definition
- 1expressing possibility
- 2expressing permission
- 3used to indicate a wish or hope
Using may: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "may" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
It may rain later today.
Example
May I ask you a question?
Example
May all your dreams come true.
Example
You may leave the room now.
may Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with may
Example
Since we have nothing else to do, we may as well go for a walk.
Example
I may or may not attend the party tonight, depending on how I feel.
Example
If I may say so, I think your presentation was excellent.
Origins of may
from Old English 'mæg', meaning 'to be able'
Summary: may in Brief
The word 'may' [meɪ] is a modal verb that expresses possibility, permission, and wishes. It can be used in phrases like 'may as well' to suggest doing something because there is no good reason not to, and 'if I may say so' to politely introduce a comment or opinion.