Q. I wonder why so many people use the phrase "may or may not," as in "I may or may not go." To my way of thinking, the word "may" implies either the positive or the negative (or both). The "may not" thus becomes redundant, doesn't it? — Wayne Reece, Nashville, Tenn.

A. Not always. You're right, of course, that "may" alone implies two possibilities. "I may attend the concert," for instance, means either you'll attend or you won't.

But "may" tilts slightly toward likelihood. If someone says, "I may go," or "You may find it interesting," or "They may sell their house," there's an implication that these things are likely to happen.

By adding "may not," you're making it clear that two alternatives are indeed possible: "I may or may not go": "You may or may not find it interesting"; "They may or may not sell their house."

But, as you suggest, "may or may not" is clunky. If you want a cleaner way of emphasizing two alternatives, you can use "might"; "I might go"; "You might find it interesting"; "They might sell their house."

Q. Practically every day, I read or hear the phrase "for free." Isn't this incorrect? I was taught way back in grammar school never to use the word "for" directly before the word "free." Shouldn't it be either just plain "free" or "for nothing"? — Dorine DeLutri, Latham, N.Y.

A.

Grammatically speaking, you're right, of course. "Free" is an adjective not a noun, so it can't be the object of the preposition "for." After all, we don't say, "you can get it for inexpensive" or "you can get it for reasonable," though I've heard the abomination "for cheap" far too often.

Though "for free" was once considered equally abominable, people use the term so frequently now that it's considered a standard idiom and therefore standard English.

In some situations, "for free" actually enjoys some advantages over "free." It can help to emphasize: "I got it for free!" has more punch than "I got it free." And it can help to clarify: "I got my cat free" could mean kitty was stuck behind the washing machine.

So when children see a motel sign reading, "Kids Stay Free!" they should cheer because they'll presumably have the run of the place. A sign reading, "Kids Stay for Free!" would more accurately convey the innkeeper's intention.

Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Conn., invites your language sightings. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via e-mail to Wordguy@aol.com or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. To find out more about Rob Kyff and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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