ma for permission

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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azz
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ma for permission

Post by azz »

Can one use
a. May the students leave the dormitory at nighttime?
instead of
b. Are the students allowed to leave the dormitory at nighttime?
?

Can one use
c. May you leave the dormitory at nighttime?
instead of
d. Are you allowed to leave the dormitory at nighttime?
?

Many thanks
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Alan
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Re: ma for permission

Post by Alan »

1. Yes
2. No ('May' is not used in 2nd person interrogatives)
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