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May 2, 2024 · May and might. The verb may expresses possibility in either an epistemic or deontic sense, that is, in terms of probability or permissibility. For example: The mouse may be dead means that it is possible that the mouse (perhaps audible until the day before) is now dead.
5 days ago · Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. Among these, the verbs "may," "can," and "could" are frequently used to ask for or give permission, with each of these modals having its nuances and levels of formality or politeness.
Apr 14, 2024 · You can/may go to the cinema with your friend, but don't come home late. (= I let you go to the cinema with your friend, but don't come home late.) As both can and may are defective verbs, we have to use be allowed to when can or may are impossible.
Defective verb. In linguistics, a defective verb is a verb that either lacks a conjugated form or entails incomplete conjugation, and thus cannot be conjugated for certain grammatical tenses, aspects, persons, genders, or moods that the majority of verbs or a "normal" or regular verb in a particular language can be conjugated for [citation ...
Apr 19, 2024 · "May/Might I hold your hand?" "Yes, you may/No, you may not." Can is informal, and should be avoided in formal situations. Could is neutral; may, the most formal. Might expresses uncertainity; or in other words, it indicates that you are not very sure about the answer: maybe you are hoping a negative reply. a "_____ I use your phone, Josephine ...
May 2, 2024 · May, might and could convey the idea that maybe something (has) happened to somebody or something; or, in other words, they are used when we are speculating about somebody or something. Could 22 and might show a less likely possibility.
Apr 18, 2024 · May and Might are modal verbs. They can normally be interchanged without a significant difference in meaning however Might often implies a smaller chance of something happening (when expressing possibility). May and Might. 1. To express (future) possibility.
