verb

may

verb

Used to say that something is possible or might happen.

"It may rain later, so bring an umbrella."

"She may already know about the surprise party."

Used to politely ask for or give permission.

"May I borrow your pen for a moment?"

Used to express a wish or hope.

"May you both have a long and happy life together."

name

The fifth month of the year, between April and June.

"Their wedding is set for the second Saturday in May."

How to Use May

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA word for saying something is possible, or for politely asking or giving permission; also the name of the fifth month.

Common mistake

"May I" is the more formal/polite way to ask permission; "can I" is common in casual speech but strictly refers to ability rather than permission.

Easily confused with

might → can →

Common pairings

may or may not if I may may as well

might past tense, mayed past tense, mays plural, Mays plural, Mays plural, may singular, mays singular

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It _____ rain later, so bring an umbrella.

From Old English magan ("to be able"), the same ancient root behind "might" — the month name May comes from a separate Latin source, Maius.

ay day say ray hay lay pay jay way yay nay bay