Aug 12, 2014 · May is a [modal auxiliary verb], and all modals have at least two kinds of meaning -- one kind, called Epistemic /ɛpəs'tɛmɪk/, refers to logical possibility and necessity, e.g. This may be the place means it's possible that this is the place. The other kind of modal meaning, called the Deontic sense, refers to obligation and permission, and is social, not logical. This is a case of …

Jan 13, 2025 · Yes, you've got it right. As CamGEL explains on p. 183, when may and can are used to express permission, some speakers use may to express permission granted by the speaker and can to express "objective" permission, as in reports of rules and regulations.

Mar 25, 2015 · Please include the research you've done, or consider if your question suits our English Language Learners site better. Questions that can be answered using commonly-available references are off-topic.

Now about may. I may go to the cinema is very similar to I can go the cinema, but as a native speaker, you know the difference between can and may being that between ability and permission or possibility. Furthermore, modern English, the semantics of can stretches to cover that of may (but only in the area of permission, rather than possibility).

Answer to the question "Should I use "Can I", "Could I", or "May I"? " for English language learners - PhraseMix.com

I would actually offer a couple additional options: Under condition 1 (that you know that the person is able to help, but you're unsure if they will): Would you help me with this? Under condition 2 (you're unsure if that person is able to help): Could you help me with this? These are similar in meaning to will and can respectively, but are a more polite way of asking. I would especially ...

Jan 26, 2014 · If I may usually starts a statement. May I starts a question. If I may, I'd like to fill you in on the latest news about our company. May I fill you in on the latest news about our company? It would help to know how you are planning to use one of these. Please give us a complete sentence as context.

Oct 1, 2013 · When using the phrase "including but not limited to", how should it be punctuated? When used in the following (no punctuation): There are many activities including but not limited to run...

Jan 24, 2014 · "To whoever it may concern," Actually, I like that expression "To whoever it may concern". It sounds natural to my ear, and it seems to be the speaker's attempt to use a fused relative in the salutation in a not-too-formal of a tone.

Dec 9, 2010 · It may be more useful to have 12 CM (contra meridiem, opposite midday) for midnight and 12 HM (hoc meridiem, this midday) for midday - relating to conceptional terms rather than any specific midday or day. Reacting Damovisa: Midnight is written as "12am" which would imply that it's in the morning. Therefore, it should be at the start of the day.