Lesson 60: Unit 58 - May
Learn how to use the modal verb "may" to ask for and give permission, as well as to express probability in everyday situations.
About this lesson
In this lesson you will learn how to use the modal verb "may" in English. You will see how "may" expresses permission – a polite way to ask for or give consent – and how it expresses probability or supposition. You will practise with a real-life hotel dialogue in which the guest, Jason Donovan, asks about various services. You will also get to know the difference between "may" and "maybe", as well as when "may" is more appropriate than "can".
40 minutes
What you'll learn
- Use 'may' to ask for permission politely
- Use 'may' to give or refuse permission
- Express probability and supposition with 'may'
- Distinguish 'may' from 'can' and 'maybe'
- Understand and use the short answers 'Yes, you may' and 'No, you may not'
Lesson vocabulary
- may
- permission May is used to ask for permission.
- booked I have a room booked for two days.
- luggage May I ask somebody to help me with my luggage?
- doorman The doorman will be here in a minute.
- room service Is there 24-hour room service?
- croissants Coffee, croissants, and fresh orange juice, please.
- safe May I leave my passport in the hotel safe tonight?
- laundry service Just ask the maid to take your clothes.
- out of order May I use your phone? Mine is out of order.
- swimming pool When may I use the swimming pool?
- sauna The sauna is open from 8 in the morning to 8 in the evening.
- advice May I give you some advice?
- maybe Maybe she is in her room or in the garden.
- tame If you tame me, then we shall need each other.
In other languages: Български