May 23, 2007

• Mark – This ones for you.  May Words, Any Words…
   
  May – can (might – could). May and might imply permission or possibility; can and could, ability or power.
  

  You may send them the double-boot water ski on trial. (Permission.)
  

  The report may be true. (Possibility.)
  

  Can he present a workable schedule? (Has he the ability?)
  

  Mrs. McNamara said I might (permission) have the time off if I could (had the ability to) finish my work in time.
  

  Please call me if you think I can be of help. (Emphasizes the ability to help.)
  

  Please call me if you think I may be of help. (Emphasizes the possibility of helping.)
  
  Maybe – may be. Maybe is an adverb, used to describe a verb, or an adjective, or another adverb; may be is a verb.
  

  If we don’t receive a letter from them today, maybe (an adverb meaning “perhaps”) we should call.
  

  Caspian (the fabulous post-rock band) may be (a verb) at Pianos in New York City this Saturday night.
  
  Anymore – any more.
  

  We used to vacation in Barbados, but we don’t go there anymore (any longer.)
  

  Please call me if you have any more (any additional) suggestions.
  
  Anytime – any time.
  

  Come see us anytime you are in town. (One word meaning “whenever.”)
  

  Did you have dealings with Sassafras at any time in the past? (Two words after a preposition such as at.)
  

  Can you spend any time (any amount of time) with Matilda and me when you next come to Tangerine?
  
  Anyway – any way.
  

  Anyway (in any case), we can’t go skiing now.
  

  If we can help in any way (by any method), please phone.
  Source: The Gregg Reference Manual.

  • 7:34 am
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