May vs. Should

Attribute	May	Should
Permission	Expresses possibility or permission	Expresses obligation or recommendation
Usage	Used to indicate a possibility or likelihood	Used to indicate a necessity or duty
Formality	Less formal	More formal
Consequences	Less emphasis on consequences	Emphasis on consequences

Introduction

May and should are two modal verbs in the English language that are often confused due to their similar meanings. However, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between may and should in terms of usage, meaning, and implications.

Usage

May is used to express possibility or permission. For example, "You may go to the party if you finish your homework." It can also be used to make a polite request, as in "May I borrow your pen?" On the other hand, should is used to indicate obligation, duty, or advisability. For instance, "You should eat your vegetables for good health." It can also be used to give advice or make recommendations, such as "You should study for your exam."

Meaning

The main difference in meaning between may and should lies in the level of certainty or necessity implied by each modal verb. May suggests a possibility or likelihood of something happening, but it is not a strong assertion. Should, on the other hand, implies a stronger sense of obligation or advisability. When using should, there is a higher degree of expectation or recommendation for a particular action to be taken.

Implications

The implications of using may versus should can have different effects on the listener or reader. When someone says "You may attend the meeting," it leaves the decision up to the individual and does not impose any obligation. However, if someone says "You should attend the meeting," it carries a stronger recommendation and implies that attendance is advisable or expected. The use of should can sometimes come across as more authoritative or directive compared to may.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between may and should:

• May: "It may rain later, so you might want to bring an umbrella."
• Should: "You should call your parents to let them know you're safe."
• May: "May I have a glass of water, please?"
• Should: "You should apologize for your mistake."

Conclusion

In conclusion, may and should are two modal verbs that serve different purposes in the English language. While may is used to express possibility or permission, should is used to indicate obligation or advisability. Understanding the nuances of these modal verbs can help improve communication and clarity in both spoken and written English.