To communicate appropriately, our language and grammar usage needs to be good. Grammar is known as a structural foundation. It helps us to convey precise meaning and avoids confusion.
If grammar is not used correctly, the message’s meaning can change; hence, one should know the correct usage of words according to the context. Grammar has eight parts of speech.
Key Takeaways
- Shall is used to indicate a command or a requirement, while May indicates permission or possibility.
- Shall is mandatory and implies a legal obligation, while May is optional and implies a choice.
- Shall is used in formal writing and legal documents, while May is used in everyday speech and writing.
Shall vs May
Shall is used when you give a command or tell something inevitable, whereas may is used when one needs permission and something is optional (not an order). Shall is mandatory, whereas may is used when it is left to an individual to decide.
Shall act like a command, something that is mandatory. It is used to express something likely to happen in the future.
May is a modal auxiliary verb after the subject and before another verb. The word may is used to ask, give or refuse permission about a possibility or probability, also used in formal writing (academic or legal writing). It is sometimes used interchangeably with ‘can’.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Shall | May |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Shall is used to give a command or express the futurity of something. | May is used for asking, granting permission, or indicating a possibility of something. |
| Intensity | Comparatively sounds more intense. | sounds less intense |
| Past form | Past variation of shall is should. | Might is used at times as a part variation of May. |
| Form of the Subject | Indicates action by a singular or plural subject. | May is used for indicating action by a singular subject. |
| Tense | Future tense | Simple past or present |
| Indicates | Shall indicate a manifestation of possibilities. | May demonstrates an implied possibility. |
What is Shall?
Shall is a modal auxiliary verb to express simple futurity, things that seem likely to happen, or inevitable things. It is also used to express command in regular use or legal writing.
Shall indicate future actions when the subject is singular or plural. It can be used in the first, second, and third person.
The negative form of shall is ‘shall not’, and the contraction of shall not is ‘shan’t’. The past tense of shall is should and is confused with ‘will’.
Examples – the usage of shall
- When used as a suggestion – “shall we take a cab home?
- When used as an offer – “I shall make the arrangements for your stay.”
What is May?
May is a modal verb used after the subject and before another verb. You cannot use May with another modal verb.
May is used for asking or granting permission, indicating possibility or probability, and in legal writings; it is a subordinate clause used to express a purpose. It sometimes gives a sense of uncertainty.
Examples – usage in a sentence
- When to explain something, – “she may have been sleeping all day.”
- When used to indicate something, – “he may be back this year.”
Main Differences Between Shall and May
- Shall is used to give a command or express the futurity of something, whereas may is used to ask, grant permission, or indicate a possibility.
- Shall give a sense of certainty, whereas may is used when things are uncertain.
- https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110810301.115/html
- https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Y8-GvEPHA68C&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&dq=may+in+grammar&ots=4BNcy9LXkR&sig=m_f8VVVGiUcHtDJKKdB1T9yJR64
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
This is a commendable analysis of the intricacies of grammar. The comparisons and explanations offer a comprehensive understanding of shall and may in language usage.
I appreciate the depth and clarity of this article. It underscores the significance of precise language usage.
Absolutely. The article is rich in detail and enlightens readers on the essential aspects of grammar.
This article is very well-written and informative. It’s important to be aware of the nuances of grammar in everyday communication.
I couldn’t agree more. The correct usage of words is essential for clear and meaningful communication.
Absolutely. Grammar plays a fundamental role in language and expressing precise meaning.
I find this article very informative and crucial to our understanding of language structure. Thank you for providing an excellent comparison between shall and may.
There’s a lot to learn from this piece. I appreciate the insightful analysis of grammar and usage of words.
Great explanation about the usage of shall and may and how it impacts communication. It’s very helpful to know the correct usage of words and the implications behind them.
I’m glad to have come across this. The importance of grammar and precise meaning in communication cannot be overstated.
Absolutely, this is a very in-depth analysis of grammar and how to correctly convey meaning. I enjoyed reading this article.
This analysis is very insightful. It’s valuable to understand the differences between shall and may in conveying meaning and intent.
I’m impressed by the depth of this article. Communicating effectively requires knowledge of grammar, and this article emphasizes its importance.
The comprehensive explanations in this article provide a profound understanding of grammar and its impact on communication. It’s an enriching read.
Absolutely. This article serves as an enlightening guide to understanding the nuances of shall and may in language usage.
I genuinely appreciate the in-depth explanation of shall and may. This article highlights the significance of clear and accurate communication.
It’s refreshing to read an article that delves into the intricacies of grammar and its impact on communication. Well done.
This piece offers a detailed and comprehensive understanding of grammar, specifically the usage of shall and may. It’s informative and well-articulated.
I couldn’t agree more. Grammar has a profound impact on conveying meaning, and this article elucidates the specifics of shall and may brilliantly.
I’m impressed by the meticulous analysis presented in this article. The breakdown of shall and may usage is valuable for effective communication.
Absolutely. The details provided enhance our understanding of grammar and the intricacies of its usage in communication.