Using "May" in a Question - DAILY WRITING TIPS (2024)

FAQs

How do you use may in a question? ›

May can be used in a question to ask permission. The subject is usually first person singular or plural (I or we). May is considered more polite than can. May I borrow your pen?

May comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): It may be possible for him to get home tonight. May can't be used with another modal verb: This may hurt you.

In common English, people use "can" and "may" interchangeably. But traditionally, "can" implies ability (you are physically able to open the door and walk away), whereas "may" implies permission. If the person asks "may I leave," then the safest positive answer is "yes you may" (or just yes).

The word may is typically used in the present tense to indicate something that's likely to happen or to ask for permission. The word might is typically used in the past tense to describe something that's unlikely to happen or situations that didn't take place.

May can't be used with another modal verb: This may hurt you. Not: This may could hurt you. or This could may hurt you.

used to indicate possibility or probability.

We may have some rain today. Rates may rise, but it won't be by much and it won't be for long. I may be back next year. I don't know if they'll publish it or not.

Both is correct but the expression on both is different that's why, have different use according to the sentence. Both “Can I ask" and “May I ask" is intended for permission. but “may" version is more polite than use of can. For Better Sentence, “may" is more appropriate.

Can I ask you a question or may I? ›

May is the more formal word, and if you are at all concerned about being tut-tutted, a safe choice. Can is now the verb of choice for ability, and both can and may are still used in the "possibility" sense. You may use can if you wish, and you can use may if it makes you feel better.

Might I call you by your first name? (very formal) May I call you Elizabeth? (formal) Can I call you Liz? (infomal)

“May I borrow your book?” Which do you think is correct? If you use “Can I…” you are literally asking if you have the ability to pick the book up from the person's hands, walk away with it, and return it later. If you use “May I…” then you are asking permission to use the book and bring it back at a later time.

You also can come in. But "May we come in?" is a correct, (polite)formal way of asking for permission before getting in, to show respect to whoever is in-charge of the social gethering. Thus, "May we come in?" is a grammatically apt phrase. Cheers!

The word 'May I' is used to ask for permission. The word 'Can I' is used to refer to possible abilities or to seek permission.

Both is correct but the expression on both is different that's why, have different use according to the sentence. Both “Can I ask" and “May I ask" is intended for permission. but “may" version is more polite than use of can. For Better Sentence, “may" is more appropriate.

Typically, the "imperative incognito" begins with a modal verb—e.g., could, can, would, will, and may, all of which indicate a polite request—and reads as a question until the end, at which a single dot is placed, changing the meaning of the preceding words into a command.

We may have some rain today. Rates may rise, but it won't be by much and it won't be for long. I may be back next year. I don't know if they'll publish it or not.