May vs. Must

Attribute	May	Must
Permission	Optional	Required
Flexibility	Allows for choice	No choice, mandatory
Conditionality	Dependent on circumstances	Non-negotiable
Recommendation	Suggestion	Strong recommendation
Exclusion	Can be excluded	Cannot be excluded
Flexibility	Allows for choice	No choice, mandatory
Prohibition	Not prohibited	Prohibited
Requirement	Not required	Required
Permissibility	Allowed	Not allowed

Introduction

When it comes to expressing possibilities and obligations, the English language provides us with two modal verbs that are commonly used: "may" and "must." While both words serve distinct purposes, they have unique attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of "may" and "must" and delve into their differences and similarities.

Usage of May

The modal verb "may" is primarily used to express possibility or permission. It suggests that something is likely to happen or be true, but it leaves room for uncertainty. "May" is often used when discussing hypothetical situations, potential outcomes, or uncertain events.

For example, consider the sentence: "She may arrive late to the party." Here, "may" indicates the possibility that she will arrive late, but it does not guarantee it. It acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding her arrival time.

Furthermore, "may" can also be used to seek permission or make polite requests. For instance, "May I borrow your pen?" or "May I have a glass of water, please?" In these cases, "may" is employed to ask for consent or approval in a polite manner.

It is important to note that "may" can also be used in conditional sentences to express a hypothetical outcome. For example, "If it rains, we may stay indoors." Here, "may" suggests the possibility of staying indoors if it rains, but it does not guarantee it.

Attributes of May

When using "may," it is crucial to remember that it indicates a possibility rather than a certainty. It allows for flexibility and acknowledges the existence of alternative outcomes. "May" is often associated with a sense of uncertainty, making it a versatile modal verb in expressing various degrees of possibility.

Additionally, "may" is considered more formal and polite compared to other modal verbs like "can" or "could" when seeking permission or making requests. Its usage demonstrates respect and courtesy towards the person being addressed.

Moreover, "may" can be used in both present and future contexts, making it applicable in a wide range of situations. Whether discussing current possibilities or potential events, "may" can effectively convey the desired meaning.

However, it is important to be cautious with the usage of "may" as it can sometimes be ambiguous. Depending on the context, it may be unclear whether "may" is expressing possibility or permission. In such cases, it is advisable to provide additional context or rephrase the sentence to avoid confusion.

Usage of Must

Unlike "may," the modal verb "must" is primarily used to express obligation, necessity, or strong certainty. It indicates that something is required or essential, leaving little to no room for alternative possibilities.

For example, consider the sentence: "You must submit your assignment by tomorrow." Here, "must" conveys a strong obligation, emphasizing the necessity of submitting the assignment by the specified deadline.

Furthermore, "must" can also be used to express logical deductions or conclusions based on evidence or facts. For instance, "The road is wet, so it must have rained recently." In this case, "must" suggests a logical inference that it rained based on the evidence of the wet road.

Additionally, "must" can be used to express strong recommendations or advice. For example, "You must visit the Louvre Museum when you're in Paris." Here, "must" emphasizes the speaker's strong recommendation, highlighting the importance of visiting the mentioned museum.

It is worth noting that "must" is often used in formal or professional contexts to convey a sense of authority or urgency. Its usage implies a higher level of obligation or necessity compared to other modal verbs like "should" or "ought to."

Attributes of Must

When using "must," it is important to recognize its strong sense of obligation or necessity. Unlike "may," "must" leaves little room for alternative possibilities or uncertainty. It conveys a higher level of certainty and emphasizes the importance of the action or obligation being discussed.

Moreover, "must" is often associated with a sense of authority or imposition. Its usage implies that the obligation or necessity is imposed by external factors or rules, rather than being a personal choice or preference.

Furthermore, "must" is commonly used in legal or official contexts, such as rules, regulations, or contracts. Its usage in such situations reinforces the binding nature of the obligation being expressed.

However, it is important to use "must" judiciously, as its strong tone can sometimes come across as demanding or forceful. In certain situations, it may be more appropriate to use alternative modal verbs like "should" or "ought to" to convey a similar sense of obligation with a softer tone.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that "must" is not commonly used in the past tense. Instead, "had to" or "was/were supposed to" are often used to express obligations or necessities in the past.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both "may" and "must" are modal verbs used to express possibilities and obligations, they have distinct attributes that differentiate them. "May" is primarily used to indicate possibility or permission, allowing for flexibility and uncertainty. On the other hand, "must" is used to express obligation, necessity, or strong certainty, leaving little room for alternative possibilities. Understanding the nuances of these modal verbs is essential for effective communication and conveying the intended meaning in various contexts.