单词 | may |
释义 | may1 modal verbmay2 noun maymay1 /meɪ/ ●●● S1 W1 modal verb Entry menuMENU FOR maymay1 possibility2 possible to do something3 allowed4 in polite expressions5 although6 may as well7 may somebody/something do something8 purpose9 be that as it may10 may well Word OriginWORD ORIGINmay ExamplesOrigin: Old English mægEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES Thesaurus
Longman Language Activatorwhen it is surprising that two different things are both true► although/though Collocations · I really need some time alone, although I know I'll miss the kids while I'm gone.· He won several medals, though he was only 15 years old.· You've been here before, though you might not remember because you were pretty little.· Although Milan is an industrial city, it still has enormous charm.even though (=use this when you want to emphasize what you are saying) · We bought tickets to go to France, even though this isn't really the best time of year to go.though old/tired/brief etc · The marriage, though brief, was a happy one. ► while also whilst British formal use this to introduce a statement that makes your main statement seem surprising or says something different from it: · While I like Carter personally, I don't think what he's doing is right.· Whilst a Rolls Royce is a very nice car, it is extremely expensive to maintain.· While six percent of ordinary homes were damaged in the earthquake, only three percent of mobile homes were damaged. ► may be ... but ... use this when you are telling someone that although what they have said may be true, something else that seems very different is a fact: · He may be intelligent but he has no common sense.· Bechler may be behind some of the problems, but he is not the only person responsible. to be allowed to do something► can · Now that you're seventeen, you can learn to drive.· You can't park here.· Ask Jan if you can borrow a cup or two of milk. ► be allowed to be allowed to do something, especially because a rule or law says you can do it: be allowed to do something: · Are we allowed to use calculators on the test?something is allowed: · Lanterns and heaters are allowed on Forest Service lands if they are fueled by propane.be allowed in/out/off/on etc (=be allowed to go in, out, off etc): · Several international relief organizations had been allowed into the area to determine what help was needed. ► be permitted formal to be allowed to do something by an official order, rule, or law: be permitted to do something: · Residents were not even permitted to fish in the reservoir.something is permitted: · Smoking is only permitted in the public lounge. ► may formal to be allowed to do something: · Educational institutions may videotape copyrighted television programs, but the tape must be destroyed after 45 days. ► be free to do something to be allowed to do something when you want or in the way that you want: · Workers are free to choose from a wide variety of insurance plans.· The winners of the competition are free to spend their prize money in any way they choose. what you say to ask permission► can I · Can I borrow your pen for a minute?· Hey Dad, can I stay at Sara's house tonight?· Can I go to the bathroom? ► may I use this to ask someone politely if you can do something: · May I ask you a question, Mr Simmonds?· May I see your ticket, please? ► do you mind if/would you mind if/is it all right if use this when you are worried that what you want to do will annoy or interrupt someone else: · Is it all right if I smoke?· Do you mind if I open the window?· Would you mind if I made a call? material for making clothes, curtains etc► maybe/perhaps use this when you think that something may happen or may be true, but you are not sure. Perhaps is more formal than maybe .: · "Will you be there tomorrow?" "I don't know, maybe."· I wonder why she's late - maybe she missed the train.· The footprints belonged to a large cat, a tiger, perhaps.· I'm not sure why I couldn't sleep. Perhaps it was the coffee.maybe not/perhaps not: · "It's not her fault that she can't get a job." "Well, maybe not, but she should make a little more effort."· Housing prices will continue to rise, though perhaps not as much as was predicted last year. ► may/might/could use this with other verbs, to show that something is possible, or likely, but you are not sure about it. May and might are more formal than could: · Take your umbrella -- it might rain.· Hundreds of workers may lose their jobs if the strike continues.· We could be home before midnight if the traffic isn't too bad.may/might/could have done something: · "Bruce isn't here yet." "He may have decided not to come."· It's a good thing we got her to the hospital right away -- the doctor said she could have died if we'd waited. ► it is possible (that)/there's a chance (that) use this when you think that something may happen or may be done, but that it is not very likely: · I might have to work on Saturday, so it's possible I won't be able to come to your party.· There's a chance that I'll be in California in October, so I might be able to visit you for a few days.it is just possible (that)/there is just a chance (that) (=when something is possible, but very unlikely): · Tomorrow should be sunny but there's just a chance of showers in the afternoon.· It's just possible we'll finish the job by tonight, but it'll probably be tomorrow.outside chance/possibility: · Martinez will need surgery, but there's an outside chance he'll be playing again before the end of the season.slim chance/possibility: · Sims has some numbness and weakness in her legs, and surgeons say there is a slim possibility of paralysis. ► possibly use this when you think that something may be true, but you do not have enough information to be sure: · "Do you think she was murdered, inspector?" "Possibly."· He's playing in the US Open Golf Championships - possibly for the last time.· Stone is possibly America's finest film director.· The cancer was possibly caused by exposure to asbestos.· Trade between the two countries began in the 11th century, possibly even earlier.· Many analysts believe interest rates will rise, possibly as early as next spring.quite possibly (=very possibly): · The examination hall was vast, with at least 700 or 800 students and quite possibly as many as 1000. ► conceivably if you think something may conceivably happen or be true, it seems unlikely but you can imagine that it is possible: · Reservations are advised but you might conceivably find a hotel the day you arrive.· It is still unlikely, but unemployment could conceivably begin to fall by the end of the year. ► you never know spoken say this when you are not sure whether something will happen, because no one knows what will happen in the future: · I don't think I'll ever get married, but you never know.· Why don't you ask for a raise? You never know, they could say yes. ► who knows? spoken say this when you have no way of knowing whether something is true or not true: · "Will you still be working here next year?" "Who knows? Maybe I will, maybe I won't."· Maybe he wasn't telling the truth. Who knows? to shake your head as a way of saying no► no matter use this when you want to make it clear that nothing will change a situation, your intention etc: no matter how much/many: · I'm determined to go to New York, no matter how much it costs.no matter what/who/when etc: · Paul always calls me every day, no matter where he is.· No matter what position he plays, he'll be a great asset to the team.no matter how good/small/hot etc: · I never win, no matter how hard I try.· Dad was determined to get to the truth, no matter how long it took. ► however use this when the fact that something is very big, good etc does not change a situation: however much/many: · However much I try, I just don't understand him at all.however however adj/adv: · I could never watch any movie more than once, however good it is.· Each one of us, however old or however young, is a valuable member of society. ► whatever/whichever/whoever used when it is not important what happens, who does something etc, because it does not change the situation or your intention: · "I don't care," Carrie cried, "whatever anyone says!"· We can take a taxi or the bus, whichever comes first.· He's a capable man. I'm sure he can deal with whatever problems arise.· Don't forget, it's your job to support your leader, whoever it is.whichever of somebody/something: · Whichever of the cars you choose, I'm sure you'll be very pleased. ► regardless use this when what is done is not affected by different situations, problems etc: regardless of: · The rate of contribution to the pension plan is the same for all employees, regardless of age.regardless of whether/what/who etc: · Many people stick with their banks regardless of whether they offer the best deal.carry on/continue regardless: · It may rain by the end of the day, but we plan to carry on regardless. ► irrespective of something use this when the same thing happens in every case without being affected by facts such as age, size, time, or position: · The job is open to anyone with the right qualifications, irrespective of their age.· Justice for all, irrespective of race or class, is everyone's right.irrespective of what/where/who etc: · All children should have access to the latest technology, irrespective of where they live or how much their parents earn. ► never mind use this to say that something should be ignored because it does not affect the situation or your intention: never mind that!: · "How do you know so much about Jake anyway?" "Never mind that!"never mind something: · I want this wedding to be perfect, never mind the cost.never mind what/why/when etc: · Never mind what Jalal says, Peter is a trusted member of our community.never mind that: · Never mind that it's late. I need to talk to you now. ► come what may use this when you are determined to do something whatever happens: · I'll be there come what may. I promise.· Some people are getting out of the country fast, but my cousin's family has decided to stay, come what may. when it is likely that something will happen or is true► probably when something will probably happen or is probably true: · "Where is she?" "Probably in her room."· We'll probably be shooting the movie on location in Europe.· Archaeologists think the temple was probably built in the 3rd century AD.· He wrote dozens of books, but this is probably his best-known novel. ► likely something that is likely will probably happen or is probably true: · The most likely result is a win for the Democrats.likely to do something: · The price of petrol is likely to rise again this year.very likely: · The jury is very likely to believe he was in the apartment at the time of the crime.something seems likely: · A peace settlement now seems likely.it is likely (that): · It is likely that the girl knew her killer. ► probable formal likely to be true or likely to happen: it is/seems probable (that): · It seems probable that the election will be held in May.highly probable (=when something will almost certainly happen): · Unless the government agrees to further talks, a strike seems highly probable.probable cause: · The report states that the probable cause of death was a heart attack.probable cost/result/outcome etc: · The project will go ahead, at a probable cost of $2.1 million. ► be a strong possibility to be very likely: · The withdrawal of the allied forces is now a strong possibility.be a strong possibility (that): · There is a strong possibility that both the murders were committed by one man.be a strong possibility of: · The weather forecast says that there's a strong possibility of snow. ► it looks as if/it looks like spoken say this when the present situation makes you think that something is likely to happen or likely to be true: · There aren't any taxis. It looks as if we'll have to walk.· Ted should be here by now. It looks like he's been delayed.it looks like being British: · From the agenda, it looks like being a long meeting. ► may/could/might well if something may well happen or may well be true, it is fairly likely to happen or to be true: · Take an umbrella. It might well rain later on.· That's only my opinion. I could well be wrong.· The eruption of Santorini in 1470 BC may well have been heard as far away as Britain.it may well be (that): · It could well be that it is too late for us to reverse the effects of global warming.something may well be the case: · "Apparently, interest rates could rise again next month." "Yes, that might well be the case." ► be on the cards British /be in the cards American use this to say that something is likely to happen because of the present situation: · They say that another recession is on the cards.· No one was surprised when they got a divorce. It had been on the cards for years.· I was hoping for a promotion, but it doesn't seem to be in the cards right now. ► I suppose also I guess American spoken say this when you think something is likely to be true or likely to happen: I suppose (that): · There was no reply when I phoned - I suppose she's still at work.· I suppose that they'll do some sightseeing while they're here.· I guess Kathy will want to bring her boyfriend.I suppose so/I guess so (=use this to answer a question): · "Is Bill coming too?" "I suppose so."· "If you don't pass the test, will you take it again?" "I guess so." ► I should think British /I would think/guess American spoken say this when you know enough about a situation to think something is likely to be true or likely to happen: · The garden's about 100 metres long, I would guess.I should think (that): · I should think she's about 24 or 25.· I would think that almost everyone could get here on a Saturday. I should/would think so: · "Will the match still go ahead?'' "Yes, I should think so.'' ► I wouldn't be surprised spoken say this when you know enough about a situation to think that something is likely to happen or be true, especially something special or unusual: I wouldn't be surprised if: · You know, I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to get married.I wouldn't be surprised to hear/see/find etc that: · I wouldn't be surprised to hear that she'd left that job by now. COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY► It may be that Phrases It may be that Minoan ships were built and repaired here. ► may well Your job may well involve some travelling (=it is fairly likely). ► may well ask ‘What’s all the noise?’ ‘You may well ask.’ COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► I might add She was trying to entertain us – unsuccessfully, I might add (=used to comment on what you have just said). ► come what may I knew he’d be able to take care of himself, come what may (=whatever happens). ► devil-may-care attitude a devil-may-care attitude to life ► It may interest ... to know that It may interest you to know that a number of scholarships are available. ► might have known I might have known (=I am annoyed but not surprised) you would take that attitude. ► Strange as it may seem Strange as it may seem, I actually prefer cold weather. ► can/may I suggest (=used to politely suggest a different idea) May I suggest that you think carefully before rushing into this? ► It might be worth ... while It might be worth your while to talk to the head of department. PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► may somebody/something do something 1possibility if something may happen or may be true, there is a possibility that it will happen or be true but this is not certain SYN might: I may be late, so don’t wait for me. Some chemicals may cause environmental damage. There may not be enough money to pay for the repairs. Well, I may have been wrong. They may have called while you were out. It may be that Minoan ships were built and repaired here. Your job may well involve some travelling (=it is fairly likely).2possible to do something if something may be done, completed etc in a particular way, that is how it is possible to do it SYN can: The problem may be solved in a number of different ways.3allowed a)used to say that someone is allowed to do something SYN can: Thank you. You may go now. There is a set of rules to show what members may and may not do. You may sit down or stand, just as you wish. No one may own more than 10% of the shares. b)may I/we ...? spoken formal used to ask politely for permission to do something: May I come in and wait? May we use your office for a few minutes?4in polite expressions spoken formal used to say, ask, or suggest something in a polite way: All these things, if I may say so, are entirely irrelevant. Who, may I ask, is Wotherspoon? May I suggest that you consider the matter further before taking any action.5although used to say that even though one thing is true, something else which seems very different is also true: I may be slow, but at least I don’t make stupid mistakes. Although this may sound like a simple process, great care is needed. Strange as it may seem, I always felt I belonged here.6may as well spoken used to suggest that someone should do something, because there is no good reason to do anything else SYN might as well: If there’s nothing more to do, we may as well go to bed. You may as well tell us now – we’ll find out sooner or later.7may somebody/something do something formal used to express a wish or hope: We pray for those who died – may they rest in peace. It is a fine tradition and long may it continue!8purpose formal used after ‘so that’ or ‘in order that’ to say that someone does something in order to make something else possible: The hero sacrifices his life so that his friend may live.9be that as it may formal in spite of what you have just mentioned: Perhaps there isn’t one single system that will work for everyone. Be that as it may, we all need order in our lives.10may well used to say that there is a good reason for a reaction, question, or feeling: ‘What’s all the noise?’ ‘You may well ask.’GRAMMAR: Comparisonmay• You say May I? when asking for permission: · May I ask you a question?• You say you may when giving someone permission: · You may go now.• You say that something may happen or be true: · I may be late.· He may be in his office.• You say that something may have happened: · They may have already gone home.• You use may not in negative sentences:· I may not be here much longer.· He may not have understood what you said.might• In everyday English, you can use might in the same way as may to say that something is possible.• You can say that something might happen or be true: · I might be late.· He might be in his office.• You can say that something might have happened: · They might have already gone home.• In everyday English, you can also use might not or mightn’t: · I might not be here much longer.· He mightn’t have understood.Grammar guide ‒ VERBS
may1 modal verbmay2 noun maymay2 noun [uncountable] British English word setsWORD SETS► Plants Collocationsacacia, nounacorn, nounalmond, nounaloe vera, nounanemone, nounangelica, nounaniseed, nounannual, nounanther, nounapricot, nounaquatic, adjectivearboreal, adjectivearboretum, nounartichoke, nounash, nounasparagus, nounaspen, nounaspidistra, nounaubergine, nounavocado, nounbalsa, nounbalsam, nounbamboo, nounbark, nounbarley, nounbasil, nounbay, nounbay leaf, nounbean, nounbeech, nounbeet, nounbegonia, nounbelladonna, nounbetel, nounbiennial, adjectivebilberry, nounbindweed, nounbiotechnology, nounbirch, nounblackberry, nounblackcurrant, nounblackthorn, nounbloom, nounbloom, verbblossom, nounblossom, verbbluebell, nounblueberry, nounbole, nounboll, nounbotanical, adjectivebotanist, nounbotany, nounbougainvillea, nounbough, nounbox, nounbracken, nounbranch, nounbreadfruit, nounbriar, nounbrier, nounbroad bean, nounbroadleaved, adjectivebroccoli, nounbroom, nounBrussels sprout, nounbud, nounbud, verbbulb, nounbulrush, nounburr, nounbush, nounbusy Lizzie, nounbutter bean, nounbuttercup, nouncabbage, nouncacao, nouncactus, nouncalyx, nouncamellia, nouncanopy, nouncantaloup, nouncapsicum, nouncaraway, nouncarnation, nouncarrot, nouncashew, nouncassava, nouncatkin, nouncauliflower, nouncedar, nouncelery, nouncellulose, nounchard, nouncherry, nounchervil, nounchestnut, nounchickweed, nounchicory, nounChinese leaves, nounchives, nounchlorophyll, nounchokecherry, nounchrysanthemum, nouncilantro, nouncitron, nouncitronella, nouncitrus, nounclematis, nounclementine, nounclimber, nounclove, nounclover, nouncloverleaf, nouncoca, nouncocoa bean, nouncoconut, nouncoffee bean, nouncollard greens, nouncone, nounconifer, nounconker, nouncopper beech, nouncore, nouncoriander, nouncorn, nouncorncob, nouncornflower, nouncotton, nouncottonwood, nouncovert, nouncowslip, nouncrabgrass, nouncreep, verbcreeper, nouncress, nouncrocus, nouncrop, verbcross-fertilize, verbcultivate, verbcultivation, nouncumin, nouncutting, nouncyclamen, nouncypress, noundaffodil, noundahlia, noundaisy, noundamson, noundandelion, noundandelion clock, noundate, noundeadly nightshade, noundeciduous, adjectivedill, noundock, noundouble, adjectiveduckweed, nounDutch elm disease, nounelder, nounelderberry, nounelm, nounendive, nounetiolated, adjectiveeucalyptus, nounevergreen, adjectiveevergreen, nounfemale, adjectivefennel, nounfern, nounfertilize, verbfibre, nounfig leaf, nounfir, nounflax, nounflesh, nounfleshy, adjectiveflora, nounflower, verbfoliage, nounforget-me-not, nounfoxglove, nounfreesia, nounfrond, nounfruit, nounfruit, verbfuchsia, nounfungal, adjectivefungus, nounfurze, noungardenia, noungentian, noungeranium, noungerminate, verbginger, noungladiolus, noungooseberry, noungorse, noungourd, noungrape, noungrapefruit, noungrapevine, noungrass, noungrassy, adjectivegreen, adjectivegreen bean, noungreengage, noungreen onion, noungreen pepper, noungroundnut, nounguava, noungum, noungum tree, nounhardy, adjectiveharicot, nounhawthorn, nounhazel, nounhazelnut, nounheart, nounheath, nounheather, nounhedgerow, nounheliotrope, nounhemlock, nounhemp, nounherb, nounherbaceous, adjectivehibiscus, nounhickory, nounhip, nounholly, nounhollyhock, nounhoneysuckle, nounhorse chestnut, nounhorseradish, nounhuckleberry, nounhusk, nounhyacinth, nounhybrid, nouniris, nounivy, nounjasmine, nounJerusalem artichoke, nounjuniper, nounkale, nounkelp, nounkernel, nounkidney bean, nounkumquat, nounlaburnum, nounlarch, nounlaurel, nounlavender, nounleader, nounleaf, nounleaf mould, nounleek, nounlegume, nounlemon, nounlentil, nounlettuce, nounlichen, nounlilac, nounlily, nounlily of the valley, nounlima bean, nounlimb, nounlime, nounlinden, nounlinseed, nounlocoweed, nounlog, nounloganberry, nounlotus, nounlush, adjectivelychee, nounmagnolia, nounmahogany, nounmale, adjectivemallow, nounmandrake, nounmangrove, nounmaple, nounmarigold, nounmarrow, nounmay, nounmilkweed, nounmimosa, nounmint, nounmistletoe, nounmorning glory, nounmoss, nounmountain ash, nounmulberry, nounmustard, nounmycology, nounmyrrh, nounmyrtle, nounnarcissus, nounnasturtium, nounnative, adjectivenative, nounnaturalist, nounnectarine, nounneedle, nounnettle, nounnodal, adjectivenode, nounnodule, nounnut, nounnutshell, nounoak, nounoffshoot, nounoilseed rape, nounoleander, nounolive, nounorchard, nounorchid, nounosier, nounovary, nounovergrown, adjectiveovergrowth, nounox-eye, nounpalm, nounpalm tree, nounpampas grass, nounpansy, nounpapyrus, nounparasite, nounparasitic, adjectiveparsley, nounparsnip, nounpassionflower, nounpeach, nounpear, nounpeat, nounpecan, nounpeony, nounpeppermint, nounperennial, adjectiveperennial, nounperiwinkle, nounpersimmon, nounpetal, nounpetunia, nounphlox, nounphotosynthesis, nounpimento, nounpimpernel, nounpine, nounpineapple, nounpinewood, nounpink, nounpinto bean, nounpip, nounpippin, nounpistachio, nounpistil, nounpit, nounpitch pine, nounpith, nounplane, nounplane tree, nounplankton, nounplant, nounplant, verbplantain, nounplum, nounpod, nounpoinsettia, nounpoison ivy, nounpoison oak, nounpollen, nounpollen count, nounpollinate, verbpoplar, nounpoppy, nounpoppyseed, nounpotato, nounprickle, nounprickly, adjectiveprickly pear, nounprimrose, nounprimula, nounprivet, nounpropagate, verbpuffball, nounpulp, nounpussy willow, nounragweed, nounragwort, nounramble, verbrambler, nounrampant, adjectiverank, adjectiverape, nounraspberry, nounrattan, nounredcurrant, nounredwood, nounreed, nounreedy, adjectiveresin, nounrhizome, nounrhododendron, nounrhubarb, nounrice, nounrind, nounripe, adjectiveripen, verbroot, nounroot, verbrose, nounrosebud, nounrosemary, nounrubber plant, nounrunner, nounrunner bean, nounrush, nounsac, nounsagebrush, nounsandalwood, nounsap, nounsapling, nounsappy, adjectivesapwood, nounsassafras, nounsavory, nounscallion, nounscion, nounscrub, nounscrubby, adjectiveseaweed, nounsedge, nounseed, nounseed, verbseedling, nounsegment, nounsenna, nounsepal, nounsequoia, nounsesame, nounset, nounshallot, nounshamrock, nounshed, verbshoot, verbshoot, nounshrub, nounsilver birch, nounskin, nounsloe, nounsnapdragon, nounsnowdrop, nounsorghum, nounsorrel, nounsoya bean, nounspearmint, nounspinach, nounspiny, adjectivespore, nounsprig, nounspring onion, nounsprout, verbsprout, nounspruce, nounsquash, nounstalk, nounstamen, nounstem, nounstigma, nounstinging nettle, nounstock, nounstraw, nounstrawberry, nounstring bean, nounstump, nounsucculent, nounsucker, nounsugar, nounsugar beet, nounsugarcane, nounsunflower, nounswede, nounsweetcorn, nounsweet gum, nounsweet pea, nounsweet william, nounsycamore, nountamarind, nountangerine, nountaproot, nountea, nounteasel, nounteazel, nountendril, nounthistle, nounthistledown, nounthorn, nounthorny, adjectivethyme, nountimber, nountoadstool, nountop, nountrailing, adjectivetranspiration, nountranspire, verbtransplant, verbtree, nountreetop, nountrefoil, nountruffle, nountrunk, nountuber, nountulip, nountumbleweed, nounturnip, nountwig, noununderbrush, nounundergrowth, noununripe, adjectivevanilla, nounvariegated, adjectivevegetable, nounvegetation, nounvein, nounvetch, nounvine, nounviolet, nounvirginia creeper, nounwallflower, nounwalnut, nounwater chestnut, nounwatercress, nounwater lily, nounweed, nounwhorl, nounwild rice, nounwillow, nounwilt, verbwisteria, nounwither, verbwithered, adjectivewoody, adjectivewormwood, nounyam, nounyew, nounyucca, noun COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► I might add Phrases She was trying to entertain us – unsuccessfully, I might add (=used to comment on what you have just said). ► come what may I knew he’d be able to take care of himself, come what may (=whatever happens). ► devil-may-care attitude a devil-may-care attitude to life ► It may interest ... to know that It may interest you to know that a number of scholarships are available. ► might have known I might have known (=I am annoyed but not surprised) you would take that attitude. ► Strange as it may seem Strange as it may seem, I actually prefer cold weather. ► can/may I suggest (=used to politely suggest a different idea) May I suggest that you think carefully before rushing into this? ► It might be worth ... while It might be worth your while to talk to the head of department. PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► be that as it may the white or pink flowers of the hawthorn
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