Ambiguity in "may not"
The ambiguity in "may not" can only be removed by context, right?
For example:
- You may not play football in the garden = you must not/are not allowed to play football in the garden
- This method may not be applicable in this case = It is possible that this method does not work in this case = It is likely that this method does not work in this case
Do I have the right understanding of "may not"?
Solution 1:
Yes. All modal verbs have two functions: one that modifies the "mode" of the verb and the other which expresses some possibility.