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Any words, if I may

More words for you to learn that’ll make you appear smarter than everyone else at your next board meeting or coffee break.

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.
• Slayer may be (a verb) at The Universal Amphitheater in Studio 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

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