may attend

USAGE SUMMARY

"may attend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express permission or possibilities. For example, "Each student may attend two additional classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Spectators may attend the Sunday Hackathon Presentation and free tickets will be available on May 1st on Eventbrite.

TechCrunch

Family members may attend.

The New York Times

I may attend synagogue.

Independent

Campers may attend more than one session.

The New York Times

Other cabinet ministers may attend.

The Guardian

Anyone may attend the beach party.

The New York Times

You may attend the rallies in a non-participatory fashion.

The Guardian

Not many do; only 12 people may attend each performance.

The New York Times - Arts

Children aged 3 to 6 may attend state kindergartens.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For this is a party that you may attend retrospectively.

The Economist

For $165, guests may attend all three events.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs like "will attend" or "must attend" when attendance is confirmed or required respectively.

Common error

While both "may attend" and "can attend" express possibility, "may attend" often implies permission or a formal allowance, whereas "can attend" indicates ability. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may attend" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating possibility or permission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It modifies the verb "attend", expressing that the action of attending is contingent or allowed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may attend" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that expresses permission or possibility of attendance. As verified by Ludwig AI, it finds relevance across diverse sources, especially in news, encyclopedias and wiki contexts. When writing, remember that while both "may attend" and "can attend" suggest possibility, "may" typically implies permission while "can" indicates ability. Alternatives like "are permitted to attend" offer nuanced substitutes. The phrase serves to provide options rather than obligations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are permitted to attend

Replaces "may" with the more formal "are permitted to", emphasizing explicit permission.

have the option to attend

Highlights the availability of a choice rather than just possibility.

are eligible to attend

Indicates fulfillment of certain criteria for attendance.

can be present at

Focuses on physical presence at an event or location.

might participate in

Suggests a lower degree of certainty about attendance and broader participation.

could potentially be at

Expresses uncertainty and possibility with a slightly more complex structure.

are welcome to join

Emphasizes the welcoming aspect of attending an event or group.

are able to go to

Focuses on the ability or capacity to physically attend.

are invited to be present

Highlights the act of invitation and the expectation of physical presence.

have the opportunity to be at

Stresses the favorable circumstance allowing one's presence.

FAQs

How can I use "may attend" in a sentence?

The phrase "may attend" indicates that someone has permission or the opportunity to be present at an event or location. For instance, "Registered attendees "may attend" daytime panels, and nighttime concerts, space permitting."

What are some alternatives to "may attend"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "are permitted to attend", "have the option to attend", or "are eligible to attend" to convey similar meanings.

What is the difference between "may attend" and "can attend"?

"May attend" usually implies permission or possibility, while "can attend" suggests ability. Use "may attend" when someone is allowed to be there and "can attend" when they have the capacity or means to be there.

Is "may attending" grammatically correct?

No, "may attending" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is ""may attend"", where "attend" is the base form of the verb.