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My Grandchildren say "May you pass the salt" etc. They say their teachers say this is ok. To me it sounds very clumsy and I had never heard it used except by them. They have grown in Wiltshire while we are south Hampshire. Is it regional?

DougM
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    And you don't even mention "can you pass me ...", which is what I say. This might be hypercorrection for "don't use can for permission; use may", although it's more likely just a regionalism. – Peter Shor Sep 04 '14 at 22:31
  • What about "Would you pass the salt, please?" – Jim Sep 04 '14 at 23:22
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    Using May sounds like a blessing- May you have good fortune in the years to come. "May you pass the salt." "Yes, thank you, I'm looking forward to being able to do that soon." – Jim Sep 04 '14 at 23:25
  • On the other hand, "You mayn't pass the salt" sounds like a command to keep the salt to yourself. – Sven Yargs Sep 04 '14 at 23:32
  • @Jim (comment 1) Yes, I think that's the usual polite request (hedged) way. Clear enunciation always sounds a little high-faluting to my ears, though: I usually try for a hybrid between 'will' and 'would' (which probably usually turns out too low-faluting). – Edwin Ashworth Sep 05 '14 at 03:20
  • @Jim (comment 2) Wiktionary lists this usage: may (subjunctive present, defective) Expressing a wish (with present subjunctive effect). [from 16th c.]  may you win;  may the weather be sunny [May all your Christmases be white]. – Edwin Ashworth Sep 05 '14 at 03:26
  • Wiktionary lists an obsolete usage: may (obsolete, auxiliary) To be able; can. [8th-17th c.]. This might correspond to the 'Can you pass ...' usage meaning 'Will ...'. Wiltshire is famous for its antiquities. – Edwin Ashworth Sep 05 '14 at 03:32
  • This might be a form of hypercorrection, from being taught to use "may I" to ask permission. – augurar Sep 05 '14 at 04:16
  • "Hey, pass that salt down here!" – Kevin Sep 05 '14 at 04:38

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