The term may indicates which concept?

The term may indicates which concept?

• A. Mandatory
• B. Optional
• C. Permissive
• D. Prohibited

Answer: (C)

In policy and contract language, the word may signals permission or an optional choice. It means the action is allowed but not required, giving discretion to decide whether to act. This is why it’s considered permissive: it provides the option without imposing an obligation. By contrast, terms like shall or must create a mandatory requirement, and prohibited (or may not) indicates something is not allowed. While optional also conveys choice, may specifically emphasizes permission granted rather than a mere optional possibility, aligning with a permissive concept.

In policy and contract language, the word may signals permission or an optional choice. It means the action is allowed but not required, giving discretion to decide whether to act. This is why it’s considered permissive: it provides the option without imposing an obligation.

By contrast, terms like shall or must create a mandatory requirement, and prohibited (or may not) indicates something is not allowed. While optional also conveys choice, may specifically emphasizes permission granted rather than a mere optional possibility, aligning with a permissive concept.