They may be drinkers Robin, but they’re also human beings.

Look at that expression of urgency on Batman’s face (well, the part of it you can see). It’s clear that something of the utmost importance is happening here. And Robin has that worried and questioning look in his eyes. Evidently, this is a moment of high drama and excitement.

So let’s talk about modal verbs.

OK, let’s not ruin the moment. How about we just talk about modal verbs that can express concession? Ideas that could also be expressed using ‘although’. Modal verbs may be confusing, but they’re also essential to English and how we use it. That’s to say, although modal verbs are confusing, they’re essential to….etc. There you have an example of ‘may’ for concession.

Now let’s talk about Batman and Robin in their coolest ever incarnations: the TV series of 1966 – 1967. In the episode that concerns us, Robin is visibly flustered (in a state of agitated confusion) because of what’s just happened:

«You risked your life to save that riff-raff* in the bar?»

Batman’s reply is one of the most sublime moments and greatest quotes in the history of television. As well as being a perfect example of modal verbs for concession:

«They may be drinkers Robin, but they’re also human beings»

As if that were not enough for all you modal verb fans, The Caped Crusader then uses ‘may’ again, but this time for the possibility of these lowlifes being saved:

«And may be salvaged»

Absolutely wonderful. And not just because of the modal verbs.

*riff-raff: undesirable, disreputable people – aka lowlife/lowlifes

* In these cases of concession, ‘may can be substituted with ‘might’.