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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
Modal Verbs (Can/May)
Is it the same to say:
"I can't go home"
and
"I may not go home"
I know that "can't" means I am not able to go home. What about "may not"? Does it mean the same or does it mean that it is both possible to go or not to go home?
"I can't go home"
and
"I may not go home"
I know that "can't" means I am not able to go home. What about "may not"? Does it mean the same or does it mean that it is both possible to go or not to go home?
Top answer
g. I may decide not to go home). The eventual outcome is uncertain, but the reason for saying this is normally to highlight the possibility that you won't , rather than the uncertainty.
- g.
- I may decide not to go home).
- The eventual outcome is uncertain, but the reason for saying this is normally to highlight the possibility that you won't , rather than the uncertainty.
- It is theoretically possible for it to mean "I am not permitted to go home", but in practice that interpretation is not very likely in modern English.
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2 Answers
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"I may not go home" would normally be understood to mean "It's possible that I won't go home" (e.g. I may decide not to go home). The eventual outcome is uncertain, but the reason for saying this is normally to highlight the possibility that you won't, rather than the uncertainty.
It is theoretically possible for it to mean "I am not permitted to go home", but in practice that inte
It is theoretically possible for it to mean "I am not permitted to go home", but in practice that inte
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Anonymous"I may not go home"Here is a relevant context:
Two friends, Joe and Mary, are leaving the theater. They just watched a good movie, and are walking to the parking lot where their cars are.
Joe: Mary, will you call me when you get home?.
Mary: Sure, but don't expect a call very soon. I may not go directly home. I
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