may

Used to say that something is possible but you are not certain.

• It may rain today.
• We may need a bigger table.
• He may have left his phone at home.

How to use it: may + base verb (The roads may freeze tonight.); may have + past participle (She may have missed the train.)

Similar words: might, could

Common phrases: may happen, may be true, may have forgotten

Something is possible, but you are not sure it is true or will happen.

• He may be at home.
• We may arrive late tonight.
• They may have forgotten the meeting.

How to use it: may + verb (It may rain this afternoon.); may have + past participle (She may have missed the bus.)

Similar words: might, could

Common phrases: may be, may have something

Used to give permission or politely ask if you are allowed to do something.

• You may sit here.
• May we open the window?
• Students may leave when they have finished.

How to use it: may + base verb (You may use the computer now.); May I/we + base verb? (May I borrow your pen?)

Similar words: can, be allowed to

Common phrases: may I leave, may use something, may enter

You accept that something is true before saying something that seems to disagree with it.

• It may be small, but it is comfortable.
• You may know him, but you cannot speak for him.
• She may have lost, but she played well.

How to use it: may + verb, but… (He may be rich, but he is unhappy.)

Similar words: might

Common phrases: may be wrong, may be rich