Shall vs. May: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 4, 2023
"Shall" is often a formal way to indicate future or determination, while "May" expresses possibility or permission.
Key Differences
"Shall" and "May" are both auxiliary verbs, but they serve distinct purposes. "Shall" primarily denotes a future action or an obligation, often with a sense of determination. "May", on the other hand, signifies possibility, likelihood, or permission.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Traditionally, "Shall" was used with first person pronouns to indicate the future. Nowadays, its use has waned in favor of "will". Yet, in legal or formal documents, "Shall" still implies a mandatory nature. "May", conversely, is employed when one wishes to indicate a chance of something occurring or when seeking or granting permission.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
In questions, "Shall" sometimes seeks a proposal or suggestion, e.g., "Shall we dance?". "May", when used in questions, often requests permission, like "May I enter?".
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
"Shall" can convey an authoritative tone, especially in directives or commands. "May", in contrast, has a more tentative quality, leaving room for discretion or choice.
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
Both "Shall" and "May" have nuanced uses in English, and their correct application often relies on the context of the statement and the intended meaning.
Janet White
Nov 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Indicate future or determination
Express possibility or permission
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Formality
Often used in formal or legal contexts
Common in both formal and informal speech
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Contextual Flexibility
Less common in everyday American English
Widely used across contexts
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
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Shall and May Definitions
Shall
Indicates future action (traditionally with "I" and "we").
I Shall return.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
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May
The fifth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. See Table at calendar.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Shall
Used before a verb to indicate the simple future tense in the first person singular or plural.
I shall sing in the choir tomorrow.
I hope that we shall win the game.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Shall
Used similarly to indicate determination or obligation in the second and third persons singular or plural.
(determination): You shall go to the ball!
(obligation): Citizens shall provide proof of identity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Shall
Used in questions with the first person singular or plural to suggest a possible future action.
Shall I help you with that?
Shall we go out later?
Let us examine that, shall we?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
May
To have permission to, be allowed. Used in granting permission and in questions to make polite requests.
You may smoke outside;
May I sit there?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
May
Expressing a present possibility; possibly.
He may be lying;
Schrödinger's cat may or may not be in the box
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
May
Expressing a wish (with present subjunctive effect).
May you win;
May the weather be sunny
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
May
Used in modesty, courtesy, or concession, or to soften a question or remark.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
May
An auxiliary verb qualifying the meaning of another verb,
How may a man, said he, with idle speech,Be won to spoil the castle of his health!
For what he [the king] may do is of two kinds; what he may do as just, and what he may do as possible.
For of all sad words of tongue or penThe saddest are these: "It might have been."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
May
Contingency or liability; possibility or probability.
Though what he learns he speaks, and may advanceSome general maxims, or be right by chance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
May
Modesty, courtesy, or concession, or a desire to soften a question or remark.
How old may Phillis be, you ask.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
May
The early part or springtime of life.
His May of youth, and bloom of lustihood.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
May
The flowers of the hawthorn; - so called from their time of blossoming; also, the hawthorn.
The palm and may make country houses gay.
Plumes that mocked the may.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
May
Thorny Eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries; established as an escape in eastern North America
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
FAQs
Which verb is more formal: "Shall" or "May"?
"Shall" is generally considered more formal than "May."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Shall" commonly used in modern English?
"Shall" is less common in modern American English but is still used in formal, legal, and British contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "May" always about possibility?
While "May" often indicates possibility, it can also express permission, as in "May I enter?"
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Shall" and "May" be used interchangeably?
No, "Shall" indicates future or obligation, while "May" suggests possibility or permission.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
How is "Shall" typically used in questions?
In questions, "Shall" often seeks suggestions or proposals, as in "Shall we dance?"
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Shall" be replaced by "Will" in modern usage?
Often, "Shall" can be replaced by "Will," especially in indicating the future, but nuances may differ.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 04, 2023
How do British English speakers use "Shall"?
British English speakers traditionally use "Shall" with first person pronouns (I, we) to indicate future events.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "May" used to express wishes?
Yes, "May" can be used to express a wish or hope, as in "May you have a great day."
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
What's a polite way to request permission?
"May I" is a courteous and traditional way to seek permission.
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
Can "May" be used to indicate a possibility among many?
Yes, "May" can indicate a specific possibility out of several, like "You may win or lose."
Janet White
Nov 04, 2023
How is "Shall" used in legal contexts?
In legal texts, "Shall" often denotes an obligation or command.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Shall" indicate intent or promise?
Yes, "Shall" can be used to express a strong intent or formal promise.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "May" the only way to request permission?
No, other phrases like "Can I" or "Could I" are also used, but "May I" is traditionally formal and polite.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "May" always uncertain?
No, while "May" can express uncertainty, it can also denote sureness when granting permission.
Janet White
Nov 04, 2023
Does "May" have variations in meaning?
Yes, "May" can denote possibility, permission, potentiality, or even a wish.
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Shall" imperative in nature?
In certain contexts, especially legal or commanding ones, "Shall" can have an imperative tone.
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
How is "Shall" used in literature?
In literature, "Shall" can denote future actions, obligations, or even poetic or dramatic intentions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Are there specific scenarios where "Shall" is preferred over "Will"?
Yes, in formal promises, legal directives, or certain British contexts, "Shall" is often the preferred choice.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Which is more common in everyday speech: "Shall" or "May"?
"May" is more common in everyday American English, while "Shall" is seen more in formal or British English.
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
What's a synonym for "Shall"?
"Will" is often a synonym for "Shall," especially in indicating the future.
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
