The word "may" is a modal verb in English and has various uses in both spoken and written language. It can express permission, possibility, or uncertainty. Here's how it is used in both contexts:
**Spoken English:**
1. "May I borrow your pen, please?"
- In spoken English, "may" is often used to seek permission or make polite requests.
2. "It may rain later, so you might want to take an umbrella."
- It can be used to indicate a possibility or likelihood in casual conversation.
**Written English:**
1. In a formal request letter:
"I am writing to request that I may be granted a leave of absence."
- In formal written requests, "may" is used to seek permission in a polite manner.
2. In a scientific report:
"The results of the experiment may suggest a correlation between variables."
- In written documents, "may" is used to express possibilities or conclusions based on evidence.
In both spoken and written English, "may" is a versatile word that can be used to express permission, likelihood, or uncertainty. Its usage can vary depending on the context and formality of the communication.