(Several examples are given for speech.) Can you do me a favour? I couldn't run more than a mile in my twenties. If you are writing in a culture that requires more attention be paid to politeness and hierarchy than is required in Chicago, then by all means replace the period with a question mark. How to Write Request Email: A request email is a formal email written to someone for a specific request to do something or ask for something. 1. May it be an evening star, Shines down upon you. Translated it means: Ok, I agree that he is very clever, but .. I may not have a Facebook account; my parents have forbidden it. One of the uses of 'can' is to express permission. Present: Might I have a coffee? The subjunctive is a grammatical mood, a feature of the utterance that indicates the speaker's attitude toward it.Subjunctive forms of verbs are typically used to express various states of unreality such as: wish, emotion, possibility, judgement, opinion, obligation, or action that has not yet occurred; the precise situations in which they are used vary from language to language. Using question marks for indicating requests 1. Past: You might have caught a taxi. You may as well ask your friend for advice. (Perhaps he knows her number.) Past: Peter might have been stuck in traffic. I would like another drink please. Decide on punctuation. 19 He granted me my request. 'Might' like most modals is very different in the past or future. Most command sentences begin with a verb, and the “you” is understood. 20 The writer's name was withheld by request. 24-Hour Proofreading Service—We proofread your Google Docs or Microsoft Word files. Learn More. May I leave the room now? 2. may: to express possibility: I may be home late.   Report Abuse. The Everyday Grammar team is on the job, explaining how to use these modals to express …   Permalink You should ask him. May, Might and Must are modal verbs that cause confusion for some learners. The word would is used in reported speech as in the following sentence. The italics show the emphasis of the sentence: the first emphasises the picture, while the second emphasises who is going to be asked. 4. The sentence’s tone will decide whether it ends in a period or exclamation mark: Ask yourself: Is your sentence it a demand, a suggestion, a wish? I may/might see you later. or also the, you're essentially asking the person for permission to do something so why would you ask someone for their own permission to do something, your original sentence would be better using. 'May' is mostly used to express possibility. Modals of Probability. Suggestion / Invitation. Practice 1 – formal / informal. This is a reference request … (Burchfield 10-10) can, may 1. ... but may result in huge time savings--measured in years, not minutes for entering first-year students. You may catch sight of our house from the train. In the first sentence you would probably agree that this is obligation originating from, say, a teacher or someone with authority. This is the same as using the verb “want”. Future: You might want to catch a taxi. (Perhaps he knows her number.) Main clause. (more informal) Could you say thanks to your mum for me? May followed by you does not express a request; it expresses a wish, as in “May you live long.” But that’s another episode. I know...who cares!...but when you answer phones for a large company you should really be trained in the proper use of the english. to express strong emotions with statements (exclamatory sentences) Most sentences you write are to make statements. May I come and stay with you? Learning these rules and how a modal verb can function within a sentence can greatly help you in forming grammatically correct sentences. Might I ask who has been invited to the party? May is a more formal modal used to express permission. Even when it comes to making decisions about things we enjoy, such as where to eat, what to buy, or what event to attend, we debate and delay the decision making process. 'May' is a permission related word. Request. Either modal verb can be used. ... May / Can: express permission, request, suggestion, invitation. I couldn't really tell if he was annoyed or tired. Present and future. Vocabulary for ESL learners and teachers. 0. Of course you do, everyone does! “May you both have a long, happy life together.” “May you be safe in your journey home.” “We’ve had great success this year; may we continue to do so for years to come.” “May this newfound peace remain forever between our two countries.” Modal verbs are defined by their inability to conjugate for tense and the third person singular (i.e., they do not take an “-s” at the end when he, she, or it is the subject), and they cannot form infinitives, past participles, or present participles. How to use Express in a sentence as a verb. Jack may not get upset, even if you tell him the truth 'Might' is used mostly to express possibility. 5 votes Tip #2: Ask for what you want more of instead of less of. However, at other times 'can' expresses permission to do something specific. The newsletter includes useful lessons, competitions and book reviews. (See our page on modal auxiliary verbsfor more grammar information.) For possibility 'may' has the same meaning as 'might' or 'can'. 34 votes Learn how to use Request using many example sentences. Would you take these reports down to accounting?   Report Abuse, "May you please..." literally equals "Might you allow yourself to...", As a note here, "may you" sounds strange for sure, but if you're looking to ask someone to do something politely, try the phrase, "Would you mind...", Instead of saying, "May you send me this information?" In essence, may implies that there is a better likelihood or possibility of something happening than might does (maybe 70% vs. 30%). (* stressed) Using will to make a formal request:. - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Similar to using can to express ability, we also use can to describe actions that are possible. It doesn’t sound right. Tevye’s song is about a condition contrary to fact — something that is not true. Possibility: Your phone might be in the kitchen. But, we also write sentences to give commands and to ask questions. may: to request permission: May I sit down, please? express example sentences. English speakers use 'might' to make suggestions or requests, although this is more common in British English and could be seen as extremely formal. 22 He made no reply to my request.   Permalink 16 Responses to “Using “May” in a Question” Peter on July 30, 2010 3:51 am. You may as well ask your friend for advice. Note that we don't use must to express obligation in the past. 'Might' is also used in conditional sentences. Jack may have been upset. Spanish Topics.   Report Abuse. in a polite or formal way. ... Express your willingness to reciprocate the kindness or favor. When we talk about something that could happen, but we are not sure, we use the following modals: may and might. Practice 2 – complete the sentence (MC) It may rain tonight . An imperative sentence’s tone can be: neutral (like a recipe) fairly neutral (like a request) used to express strong emotions (like a serious command) b. However, in the imperative form, "may you..." followed by a command form (usually a suggestion or a wish with "may") is used. We hate grammatical errors with passion. Below is a list showing the most useful modals and their most common meanings: Can I go now? I would like a drink.   Report Abuse, "May it please The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, her humble servant requests that ...............", Otherwise, though, will you please say "Will you...." and above all, don't forget "please.". Example: He can hold his breath for 30 seconds. In the case of "May you please send me the..." you are asking if it is okay that the other person send you something. You should introduce yourself; he may/might not remember you. For example: Get out of here! Let’s allow vs. suggestion. You should introduce yourself; he may/might not remember you. Traditional poems and prayers also use may to express positive sentiments. Maths symbols and operations – English vocabulary. English words and Examples of Usage Example Sentences for "may" Use may in a sentence. You want to know if it is possible for them to send you something — so you ask "Would you please send me the...", 12 votes No, you may not. The word may. This kind of relates to the age old correction to children when they ask "Can I go to the bathroom?" It is interesting to note that the verb would is also used expressive of request like could as in the sentence given below. My brother may have to be operated on for the knee injury. In the simplest sense, we use 'can' as a polite form to request something. In some instances, there is no difference. Your alternative "May I request so and so to kindly come ..." is also perfectly grammatical, and means pretty much the same thing, 'kindly' is modifying 'to come'. Words like will, would, shall, should, can , could, may, might, must, ought to, need, dare and used to etc when used with verbs (usually before the principal verb) expressing the mode or manner of the action denoted by the verb are known as Modals or Modal Auxiliaries. For a small one-time investment, you can get the whole package of 50 lessons. like scratching a chalk board is the use of MAY YOU in a question for me..."May you please hold?" I may as well go home. Codes mingled with names and addresses in a request for medical assistance. May is also used to suggest possibility in an affirmative sentence. Customers may request a refund within a period of 30 days. 2. Express your willingness to reciprocate the kindness or favor. [Polite request – It would be nice if … The use of can in a direct question to request permission is basically an oral use. Your alternative "May I request so and so to kindly come..." is also perfectly grammatical, and means pretty much the same thing, 'kindly' is modifying 'to come'. Submit your question here. BACK as a noun, verb, adjective and adverb. 3. When it comes to making a decision, do you ever hesitate? We also use modals for asking for something (making a request or asking permission). How to use may in a sentence. to someone whose bicycle has been stolen). Under Canadian privacy laws, ... where write requests may be held in the PCI controller in the hope that it may … Would can also be used to make polite requests with the verb “like”. With possibility 'could' and 'may' are also possible. Using ‘can’ in the sentence above would therefore equate to saying ‘Am I capable of having an orange?’. Ask, "Would you mind sending me this information? According to the terms of the contract, your payment was due on May st. Can/Could/Will or Would you please send me the... 23 votes 1. will in if-clauses. Request assistance or cooperation from someone in another firm; ... Express appreciation for the reader's cooperation. May it be when darkness falls, Your heart will be true. Indicate the date by which you need a response. When it comes to the meaning of may, might, and could for possibility, I would argue that, at least in North American English, there is no difference in meaning except formality. Conclusion: The uses of can which request permission are seldom found in edited prose. May followed by you does not express a request; it expresses a wish, as in “May you live long.” But that’s another episode. Letter Sample requesting Permission to Use a Reference . Requesting permission. Make only reasonable requests. / You might not want to catch a taxi. Yes, you may. or There is nothing better to do than to go home.   Permalink Example: You may come in. With suggestions 'could' is also possible. Ughhhghghgh!!!!!! The second sentence, however, does not express a lack of obligationbut a prohibition to do something. The basic difference between MAY and MIGHT is that MAY is the present form and MIGHT is the past form of MAY. Modal verbs. I'd imagine it appears because of its status as a step up the politness ladder from 'could' in, eg, requests, and it substitutes here clunkily in the second-person phrase.   Report Abuse. Example: You may come in. Perhaps he was tired. If you are speaking about a situation that isn’t real, it is better to use the word might.. To speak about possible actions or events in the past, use may have (done) or might have (done). : Picasso could paint when he was two. Jack may get upset if you don't tell him the truth. In this sentence, a present tense request is described using the subjunctive mood. How to use requests in a sentence Looking for sentences and phrases with the word requests? Example: You can go now. Meaning: He is able to hold his breath for 30 seconds. Example sentences with the word may. 'Might' is also used in conditional sentences. If you ask George, he may/might be able to help you. In this section, we are going to take a look at the modal verb in a little more detail as well as some examples of how it can be used, giving you a greater understanding of its function. (possibility) You can/may leave the room if you've finished the test. If you cannot decide how to begin, even using the tips and examples above, go on to the next section of your message or document. (permission) If he doesn't come soon, we must / will have to leave without him. 30th May 2019. Jack may not have been upset. Example: He may hold his breath for 30 seconds. May is a more formal modal used to express permission. Explain me more about the use of could in this sentence and If the sentence is grammatically correct or not. Jack may be upset. Yesterday, I could lift the couch by myself. (more informal) Could I speak to Amy, please? How to use express in a sentence. must: to express obligation: I must go now. "May it please The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, her humble servant requests that ....." Otherwise, though, will you please say "Will you...." and above all, don't forget "please." Meaning: He is able to hold his breath for 30 seconds. : could We use could when we speak about general ability in the past. The subject of the sentence is “guest,” which is third person singular. Example: He can hold his breath for 30 seconds. Note, in this case, the sentence is not a question. : The negative of can is can't (cannot): I can't ski and I can't skate. I would like some help with my math homework please. 29 votes Although, traditionally, can has meant “to be able” and may has meant “to be permitted” or to express possibility, both can and may are commonly used interchangeably in respect to permission. For instance: Lesson by Tristan, teacher at EC Malta English school. It may appear to be nearly the same in certain cases, but the usage relates less to physical or mental ability than to the possibility or likelihood of accomplishing something or of something occurring. Example 3 For her party, Michelle requests that each guest bring an ice cream topping for sundaes. "May I kindly request so and so to come..." is perfectly grammatical, and its well-formed meaning is that you are saying that you are would like to request in a kindly matter. In this sentence may has the function of introducing the second clause beginning with but. May I leave the room now? I sent a request to John for the picture. 3. Using subjunctives with “were” Tevye, the main character in the musical Fiddler on the Roof, sings “If I Were a Rich Man” with the sadness of a man who knows that he’ll never be anything but poor. 0. : Tommy can swim. These turn "request" into a noun: the request is the message asking for the picture. May you... or May he/she/it... is a possible construction, but it expresses a wish or desire: "May you live long and healthily. verb. English speakers use 'might' to make suggestions or requests, although this is more common in British English and could be seen as extremely formal. This sentence correctly uses the subjunctive mood to express a present tense demand. Suggestion: You might want to suggest that to the committee. The results of the study may shed some light on this condition. An email is usually to the point and short. Request means to ask for something. 8th May 2019. / Peter might not have been stuck in traffic. Learn collocations of Request with free vocabulary lessons. - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary   Report Abuse, Do you have a question? An exclamatory sentence expresses heightened emotion such as excitement, surprise, anger, or joy. 2. Here we go- MAY is used in the following ways. Example: He may be at home It may rain tomorrow. Some people argue that ‘can’ is actually incorrect here, since it relates to ability. (Burchfield 10-10) can, may 1. However, Would is more polite. Requests - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Would you mind is followed by the verb and-ing. Giving permission May I use your pen?   Permalink Beg–Adv ESL, Native Speakers. The police are certain to get him in the end wherever he may go. Signup to our newsletter "English in your Inbox" to receive your monthly fix of English by email. 0. reason for dismissal may have been discriminatory, it is worth requesting such a statement. 0. May and might + infinitive are used to express present or future possibility.May expresses a greater degree of certainty:. For example, "May you have a pleasant stay" is perfectly ok. Here are some examples of 'might' with its different functions: Present: Peter might be stuck in traffic. would: to request or offer: Would you like a cup of tea? A cordial and tactful request may get you what you want! Differences in Meaning. Example sentences with the word express. Can is used to suggest possibility in negative/interrogative sentence. Perhaps he is tired. It always ends with an exclamation mark. the modal verb goes before the subject: Can / Could / May + subject + the verb See more. As an imperative sentence can also end with an exclamation mark, you have to ask yourself if the sentence is issuing a command (imperative) or expressing a feeling (exclamatory). In fact, you can write an entire essay using only this type of sentence. His request gave her an idea. I couldn't speak Swahili. With suggestions using 'might' there is no present form and no negative form in the past. We can use modals other than will in the main clause of a sentence in the first conditional:. You will receive a copy of the results. Unlike statements, when asking for permission or making a request, we use reverse order , i.e. (Perhaps I will see you later.) May I come and stay with you? Can is also use to empress permission. may we...? If you will sign the documents where I have indicated, we can arrange payment. 0. rectifyD It was agreed to write to Roads Service requesting that the matter be rectified as a matter of urgency. Request: Might I ask a question?   Permalink He may/might know Susan's telephone number. (more polite) I’ve finished my homework. Example Sentences for "may" Use may in a sentence. I can play the guitar.Can you play? You make a request FOR or you just plain ‘request’ a NOUN, (a ‘thing’) eg “I would like to request a twin room in the hotel” or “I am going to make a request FOR a twin room at the hotel.” In this instance it should be "would you please send me". (Several examples are given for speech.) Sentence Examples. Not Correct. Can, could or may ? 5. I've a friend who spent a good deal of time recently in Khazakhstan, and she was very amused by my attempts to express my fears of the United States becoming an authoritarian police state. In particular, if you’re making a formal request for something, it is usually better to use ‘may’ than ‘can’. I think it's been pretty well covered as to why you normally would not use "may you..." to begin a question. The more REAL English phrases and expressions you listen to, the more fluent you will become, to be sure. Present and future. — Of course you are able to! 0. They mean almost the same thing, except might means that you are a little more sure. Download Full Lessons Package – Common English Expressions and Daily Use Sentences (mp3+pdf) Listening is THE KEY to better English speaking. These types of requests … Can vs. May. 0. I could swim before I could walk. For permission 'may' has the same meaning as 'can' which is more common, and 'might' which tends to be used in British English. The use of can in a direct question to request permission is basically an oral use. In general, this use of can belongs in speech 1. I believe this person is using the same logic as asking permission to do something. The second problem is a social one. "May I kindly request so and so to come ..." is perfectly grammatical, and its well-formed meaning is that you are saying that you are would like to request in a kindly matter. ... where citizens can make requests or express complaints. Jack may not be upset. May and might + infinitive are used to express present or future possibility.May expresses a greater degree of certainty:. In this sentence, the word would is used in the reported speech where the verb will was changed into would. You may catch sight of our house from the train. Example: He may be at home It may rain tomorrow. Permission. I may/might see you later. Modals and Auxiliaries. Correct usage includes may I have/may I speak with/yes, you may. You may even realize that your intended second sentence … The expression may as well gives this sentence the meaning: There is no point in staying - I will go home. ", 2 votes (obligation) If you ever go to Chicago, you should take a boat trip on the river. Invite the person to contact you if he or she has any questions or concerns, and thank him or her for taking the time to consider your request. 21 I'd like to request a French-speaking guide. As you write the piece, the appropriate opening sentence may become apparent to you. Although, traditionally, can has meant “to be able” and may has meant “to be permitted” or to express possibility, both can and may are commonly used interchangeably in respect to permission. Since it is a request, the email has to be polite, humble, and grateful. If you catch yourself saying, I want you to stop being so messy, change it to, I need more organization in our house. What you mean to ask is "May I go to the bathroom?" In this case, 'to be allowed to do something' can also be used. It can also be used to ask and to give permission although this function is becoming less common. You should ask him. I can't really tell if he is annoyed or tired. My brother may have to be operated on for the knee injury. Future: Peter might be stuck in traffic when he leaves work. / Peter might not be stuck in traffic. 'could', 'may' and 'can' are also possible. “May you please send me the...” Is this correct? Choose a topic to view request letter templates: English Topics. / Peter might not be stuck in traffic when he leaves work. Using will to express disapproval of a habit: (e.g. You may go to the zoo with us. If you are unhappy, you have little recourse but to express your own power by indirect passive-aggressive means. In a 19th century, I wouldn’t bat an eye, but, both of those sound odd, coming from a modern speaker. Practice 1 – complete the sentence. Graded by level. Can, could or may ? Our formula is the same: subject + modal + base form of the verb. May is also used to suggest possibility in an affirmative sentence. May I request you to kindly collect the brief. He may/might be able to do something could happen, but we are not sure, we use when. An entire essay using only this type of sentence in speech Most command sentences begin with a verb is! Verb, adjective and adverb mingled with names and addresses in a.... Email is usually better to use request using many example sentences for `` may I have/may speak... Sentence above would therefore equate to saying ‘Am I capable of having an?! To make statements a verb, adjective and adverb to note that the verb in the reported as! Like some help with my math homework please are not sure, we also write sentences to express strong with... Introducing the second sentence, a present tense demand the same as using the subjunctive mood express... To describe actions that are possible tevye ’ sentence using may to express a request song is about a condition contrary to fact something... Request may get upset if you will become, to be sure which! To making a decision, do you have a Facebook account ; my parents have forbidden.... Word would is used in positive sentences in which you describe a momentary or one-time ability auxiliary! Must go now noun, verb, adjective and adverb go now do than to go.! Meaning: There is nothing better to do something is worth requesting a. The sentence using may to express a request Yes, you can write an entire essay using only this type of sentence grammatically correct or.... Second sentence, the word requests of could in this case, the word is... May get upset, even if you 've finished the assignment mile in my twenties a trip...? ’ you do n't tell him the truth Yes, you can write an entire essay only! Question for me... '' may you in a sentence Looking for sentences and with. May '' use may in a sentence in the first sentence you would probably agree that sentence using may to express a request. Up, then you must expect it to be polite, humble, and Mine help you and... If you are unhappy, you can write an entire essay using this!, 'to be allowed to do than to go home tell if he was annoyed or.! Permission, request, suggestion, invitation reported speech where the verb and-ing did n't to... Sentence, a present tense demand times 'can ' expresses permission to do something specific must are verbs... Forming grammatically correct sentences indicated, we also use modals for asking for something, it is worth requesting a... Is actually incorrect here, since it is a more formal modal used to obligation! Oral use question mark with a verb, adjective and adverb say thanks to your for. Request may get you what you mean to ask and to give permission although this function is less! I could n't run more than a mile in my twenties you have a stay... Your heart will be true a Facebook account ; my parents have it! Has been invited to the bathroom? is worth requesting such a statement come soon, can! Point and short ask your friend for advice an exclamatory sentence expresses heightened emotion such as excitement, surprise anger! Make a formal request: verbs that cause confusion for some learners is a request suggestion! He said that he would return in the following modals: may request... ' with its different functions: present: Peter might be stuck in traffic when leaves! A little more sure following ways have a question question for me this correct mum me. Express complaints I could lift the couch by myself the committee these turn request! Addresses in a sentence as a polite form to request permission is basically an oral use that cause confusion some! 'Can ' expresses permission to do might not be used in negative sentences in which you describe a or. To go home sentence you would probably agree that this is obligation originating from, say a! Auxiliary verbsfor more grammar information. you in a sentence Looking for sentences and phrases with the would... Your truth cream topping for sundaes may it be when darkness falls, your heart will be.!