Cool MateMay vs Shall
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| May | Shall | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A month in spring. | Used to indicate future action or to ask for advice or suggestions. |
| Register | - | formal |
| CEFR level | A2 | A2 |
| Usage notes | Use 'May' when talking about the month in a date or events, but do not confuse with 'might', which expresses possibility. | Commonly used in formal contexts, such as legal documents or official speeches. It's more often used in British English than in American English. In informal contexts, 'will' is preferred. |
Frequently asked questions: May vs Shall
What's the difference between "May" and "Shall"?
"May" means: A month in spring. "Shall" means: Used to indicate future action or to ask for advice or suggestions.
When should I use "May" and "Shall"?
"Shall" is formal.
Are "May" and "Shall" the same CEFR level?
"May" is at A2, "Shall" is at A2 on the CEFR scale.