Any words, if I may

by jaced.com on August 1, 2007

in FYI

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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