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Kenkenken9876 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
"May" for prayer
There is a sentence patter for prayer, eg. "May God bless you!"
My question is:
What is the usage of this 'may'? (Why may?)
In modern English, "may" is used:
1, for permission: You may enter.
2, for possibility: It may be true.
etc.
Historically, the original meaning of "may" was "be(am) able, have power".
I here wonder where the pattern "May SV!" comes from.
Which usage or meaning is implied in the prayer-may?
Could anyone explain or advice any instructive URLs?
Thank you.
My question is:
What is the usage of this 'may'? (Why may?)
In modern English, "may" is used:
1, for permission: You may enter.
2, for possibility: It may be true.
etc.
Historically, the original meaning of "may" was "be(am) able, have power".
I here wonder where the pattern "May SV!" comes from.
Which usage or meaning is implied in the prayer-may?
Could anyone explain or advice any instructive URLs?
Thank you.
Top answer
May +sv is used to express a strong desire. I have a feeling it is a remnant of the subjunctive.
- May +sv is used to express a strong desire.
- I have a feeling it is a remnant of the subjunctive.
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2 Answers
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May +sv is used to express a strong desire. I have a feeling it is a remnant of the subjunctive.
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Thanks, but I know how the May+SV-construction is used.
What I want to know is the usage of the auxiliary verb MAY, among some usage of it, like Permission, Possibility, etc.
Also, what is the reason the word order of the prayer-sentence is the same as a question, except it ends with "!"
Thank you.
What I want to know is the usage of the auxiliary verb MAY, among some usage of it, like Permission, Possibility, etc.
Also, what is the reason the word order of the prayer-sentence is the same as a question, except it ends with "!"
Thank you.
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