May/Might … But

This structure means the same as although.

  • He may be an intelligent person, but he doesn’t know how to behave. (= Although he is an intelligent person, he doesn’t know how to behave.)
  • It may be a nice house, but it requires a lot of repairs. (= Although it is a nice house, it requires a lot of repairs.)
  • He may be rich, but that doesn’t mean that he is better than me. (= Although he is rich, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he is better than me.)
  • She may not be good-looking, but she has a heart of gold.

May in expressions of wishes and hopes

May is often used in formal expressions of wishes and hopes. In this case, may usually comes at the beginning of the sentence.

  • May God bless you!
  • May the Heavens shower their choicest blessings upon the young couple!
  • May God be with you!
  • May the New Year bring you all the happiness!
  • May she rest in peace! (Prayer for a dead person)

Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I am Manjusha. This is my blog where I give English grammar lessons and worksheets.

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