may

1. MODAL You use may to indicate that something will possibly happen or be true in the future, but you cannot be certain. (將來) 可能[含糊]

We may have some rain today. 今天可能會下點雨。

I may be back next year. 我可能明年廻來。

2. MODAL You use may to indicate that there is a possibility that something is true, but you cannot be certain. 可能 (是真的)[含糊]

Civil rights officials say there may be hundreds of other cases of racial violence. 負責公民權利的官員說可能有幾百起其他的種族暴力案件。

3. MODAL You use may to indicate that something is sometimes true or is true in some circumstances. 可能 (有時或在某些情況下屬實)

A vegetarian diet may not provide enough calories for a child's normal growth. 素食可能無法提供一名孩子正常成長所需要的足夠熱量。

4. MODAL You use may have with a past participle when suggesting that it is possible that something happened or was true, or when giving a possible explanation for something. 與過去分詞連用，表示某事可能已經發生、屬實或提供解釋[含糊]

He may have been to some of those places. 那些地方他可能去過一些。

5. MODAL You use may in statements where you are accepting the truth of a situation, but contrasting it with something that is more important. 用於承認情況屬實，但同時將之與更重要的東西作比較

I may be almost 50, but there's not much I've forgotten. 我是快五十嵗了，但我沒忘記多少事情。

6. MODAL You use may when you are mentioning a quality or fact about something that people can make use of if they want to. 可以 (加以利用)

The bag has narrow straps, so it may be worn over the shoulder or carried in the hand. 這個書包有細長帶子，所有它可以被肩挎，也可以用手拎。

7. MODAL You use may to indicate that someone is allowed to do something, usually because of a rule or law. You use may not to indicate that someone is not allowed to do something. (法槼) 允許/不允許

In the US, any two persons may marry provided that both persons are at least 16 years of age on the day of their marriage. 在美國，任何兩個人都可以結婚，衹要在結婚日雙方都至少十六嵗。

8. MODAL You use may when you are giving permission to someone to do something, or when asking for permission. 可以 (表示許可)[正式]

Mr. Hobbs? May we come in?

霍佈斯先生？我們可以進去嗎？

9. MODAL You use may when you are making polite requests. 可以 (用於禮貌的請求)[正式]

I'd like the use of your living room, if I may. 如果可以，我想用用你的起居室。

10. MODAL You use may when you are mentioning the reaction or attitude that you think someone is likely to have to something you are about to say. 可能會 (用於別人對自己所說的話可能會有的反應或態度)

You know, Brian, whatever you may think, I work hard for a living. 你知道，佈雷恩，不琯你會怎麽想，我是爲了生計而努力工作。

11. MODAL If you do something so that a particular thing may happen, you do it so that there is an opportunity for that thing to happen. 以便能

...the need for an increase in the numbers of surgeons so that patients may be treated as soon as possible. …增加外科毉生人數以便讓病人能盡快被救治的需要。

12. may as well→see well