May-Have-May-Of | Commonly Confused Words

May have

/meɪ hæv/

Expression used to indicate a possibility or a potential occurrence in the past, present, or future

The missing report may have ended up in his inbox.We may have missed the last train tonight.She may have taken the wrong turn at the fork.

This word has no antonyms

/meɪ ʌv/

A common misspelling of 'may have' that is often heard in speech but considered incorrect in writing.

She may of left her keys at home.The package may of arrived earlier than expected.They may of seen the concert last night.

This word has no synonyms

This word has no antonyms

"May have" is the grammatically correct phrase that should be used in context.
"May of" is a common mistake arising from the similarity in sound with "may've."
Try to remember that "have" is a verb helping to form the perfect tense, whereas "of" is not used in this context.
In lists or explanations, always double-check if you're trying to express possibility with a past action before choosing between "have" or "of."
Correct English will always use helper verbs like "have" in perfect tense constructions.