The word 'May' indicates what?

• A. An acceptable or suggested means of accomplishment
• B. A mandatory requirement
• C. An emergency instruction
• D. A prohibited action

Answer: (A)

May signals permission or optionality in instructions. It means that an action is allowed, or one of several acceptable ways to accomplish something, but it is not required. This is different from words that show obligation—like must or shall—which require an action. In practical terms, you’ll see may used to present options that are permissible or recommended, rather than forcing a single method. For example, a procedure might say you may use either method A or method B to complete a task, indicating both are acceptable. So the statement conveyed by may is that you are permitted to choose among acceptable options to achieve the outcome.