may (WISH)

used to introduce a wish or a hope
May you have a long and fruitful marriage.

may (PERMISSION)

used to ask or give permission
A reader may borrow up to six books at any one time.
"May I help myself to some more food?" "Yes, of course."
Hi, my name's Tiffany. How may I help you?
Compare might (PERMISSION)

EXTRA EXAMPLES

Hello, may I speak to Ken Griffey senior, please?

"Higgins, you may go now." "Very good, sir."

Now a round of quick-fire questions - the first person to press their buzzer may answer.

Ask your teacher if you may sit at the front of the class until your glasses are repaired.

Excuse me - is this someone's seat, or may I sit here?

may (POSSIBILITY)

used to express possibility
There may be other problems that we don't know about.
I may see you tomorrow before I leave.
The cause of the accident may never be discovered.
The explosion may have been caused by a faulty electrical connection.
We'd better not interfere - she may not like it.
There may be some evidence to suggest she's guilty, but it's hardly conclusive.
Compare might (POSSIBILITY)

EXTRA EXAMPLES

If used on delicate skin, this cream may produce a stinging sensation.

People who suffer a stroke may experience a loss of speech.

This afternoon we may see some wintry showers over higher ground.

We may have to sell the house, but I hope it won't come to that.

I worry about the destructive effect that violent films may have on children.

Usage Notes

can, could or may?

Can is used in standard spoken English when asking for permission. Could is slightly more formal. Both of these are acceptable in most forms of written English, although in very formal writing, such as official instructions, may is usually used instead.

Persons under 14 unaccompanied by an adult may not enter.

COMMON LERNER ERROR

may be or maybe?

May be is written as two separate words when may is used as a modal verb and be is used as a verb.

I may be late this evening.

I maybe late this evening. (wrong)

Maybe is an adverb, and is written as one word.

Maybe we should do it tomorrow.

May be we should do it tomorrow. (wrong)

could (SUGGEST)

used for making a suggestion
We could go for a drink after work tomorrow, if you like.
You could always call Susie and see if she might babysit.

EXTRA EXAMPLES

You could offer to buy her a new one.

Could you get a bigger house?

We could try mending it with glue.

I could look after Toby for you.

We could have lunch one day.

could (POSSIBILITY)

used to express possibility, especially slight or uncertain possibility
A lot of crime could be prevented.
She could arrive anytime now.
This new drug could be an important step in the fight against cancer.
Be careful with that stick - it could have gone in my eye!

EXTRA EXAMPLES

Passengers could face long delays.

The temperature could fall below zero overnight.

You could be the Queen of England, for all I care - you're not coming in here without a ticket.

Anything could happen in the next half hour.

It is not inconceivable that she could be lying.

could (REQUEST)

used as a more polite form of 'can' when asking someone to provide something or do something
Could you lend me £5?
Could you possibly turn that music down a little, please?

EXTRA EXAMPLES

Please could you explain why you're so late.

I'm frozen - could you close the window?

I've got rather a full week next week - could we postpone our meeting?

If you could get that report finished by Thursday I'd be very grateful.

Ben, could you hand round the biscuits?

COULD (PERMISSION)

used as a more polite form of 'can' when asking for permission
Could I speak to Mr Davis, please?
Excuse me, could I just say something?

EXTRA EXAMPLES

Could I borrow your pen?

Could we see her now, please?

Could I have some more pudding?

Could I use your bathroom, please?

Could I leave the children with you this morning?