A2 1K

May

🇬🇧 UK /["/meɪ/","/ˈmeɪ nɒt/","/ˈmeɪənt/","/maɪt/","/ˈmaɪt nɒt/","/ˈmaɪtnt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/meɪ/","/ˈmeɪ nɑːt/","/ˈmeɪənt/","/maɪt/","/ˈmaɪt nɑːt/","/ˈmaɪtnt/"]/

Meaning of May

used to say that something is possible

In simple words: A month in spring.

May in a sentence

• We may go to the park if it stops raining.
• You may want to consider a different approach for this project.
• May I help you with your bags?
• She was born in May, which is her favorite month.
• There may be a chance of thunderstorms this evening.

How to use May

Use 'May' when talking about the month in a date or events, but do not confuse with 'might', which expresses possibility.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

May sounds like 'may I?'—think of asking someone in spring if you can join their picnic.

Related words

Collocations with May

• in May
• May flowers
• May vacation
• May day
• May calendar

Synonyms for May

• might
• could
• mayhap

Opposites of May

• June
• December

Common mistakes with May

• Confused with the auxiliary verb 'may', especially in questions.
• Incorrectly capitalizing 'may' when used in sentences as a verb.
• Saying 'in May month' instead of just 'in May'.

Frequently asked questions about May

What does May mean?

A month in spring.

What is the definition of May?

used to say that something is possible

How do you use May in a sentence?

We may go to the park if it stops raining.

Can you give another example of May?

You may want to consider a different approach for this project.

What are synonyms for May?

Common alternatives include might, could, mayhap.

What is the opposite of May?

Opposite meanings include June, December.

What words go with May?

It commonly pairs with in May, May flowers, May vacation, May day, May calendar.

What are common mistakes when using May?

Confused with the auxiliary verb 'may', especially in questions. Incorrectly capitalizing 'may' when used in sentences as a verb. Saying 'in May month' instead of just 'in May'.

How do you pronounce May?

US: /["/meɪ/","/ˈmeɪ nɑːt/","/ˈmeɪənt/","/maɪt/","/ˈmaɪt nɑːt/","/ˈmaɪtnt/"]/, UK: /["/meɪ/","/ˈmeɪ nɒt/","/ˈmeɪənt/","/maɪt/","/ˈmaɪt nɒt/","/ˈmaɪtnt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use May?

Use 'May' when talking about the month in a date or events, but do not confuse with 'might', which expresses possibility.

What CEFR level is May?

"May" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.