May Model Verb

May is a model verb to talk about in English grammar most commonly used to express possibility and wish.

We also use the may model verb to give request, permission, and prohibition.

Level: beginner

Form,

Subject+May+Verb 1st Form+object

We use May:

Possibility

1. They may be at home.
2. I may study grammar books.
3. It may rain tomorrow.

Permission

1. May I help you?
2. May I speak in English?
3. You may stand at the front of the school assembly.

Wish

1. I may come to your birthday party.
2. You may give me a gift in my engagement.
3. May the force be with you.

Request

1. We may enter through this door.
2. The students may eat in the school cafeteria.
3. I may feed the birds these seeds every day.

Prohibition

1. You may not smoke in the room.
2. He may not fast bike.
3. You may not allow wrong way.