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Tenjing Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Is this conversation correct?

Jack: My train card isn't on the table. May Alex have taken it with him? What do you think?
James: yes, I think Alex may have taken it with him.
Is my entire conversation correct? I am trying to use 'may have' in a question? Please check properly. Thank you.
  

Top answer

Whenever the perennial question arises about about the differences between "may" and "might", I can never think of any. However, the second sentence is an example where "might" works but "may" doesn't. Jack: My train card isn't on the table.

— GPY

  • Whenever the perennial question arises about about the differences between "may" and "might", I can never think of any.
  • However, the second sentence is an example where "might" works but "may" doesn't.
  • Jack: My train card isn't on the table.
  • Might/Could Alex have taken it with him?
  • What do you think?
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6 Answers
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Whenever the perennial question arises about about the differences between "may" and "might", I can never think of any. However, the second sentence is an example where "might" works but "may" doesn't.

Jack: My train card isn't on the table. Might/Could Alex have taken it with him? What do you think?
James: Yes, I think Alex might/may have taken it with him.

I'm
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You mean 'may' can't be used in questions, right??
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tenjing You mean 'may' can't be used in questions, right??
It can be used in polite questions asking for permission. For example, "May I have one of these chocolates?". In many situations, people would instead use "can", however.
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I mean, in possibility questions?
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tenjing I mean, in possibility questions?
I can't think of a case where it would be natural.
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Thank you very much.
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