[Grammar] inverted form

[atabitaraf]

This statement of congratulation really made me think: May happy times and warm memories brighten your new year.
As I can see this statement has an inverted form: May + subject, although it is not a question.
I knew it that inverted forms are used in 1. questions, 2. statement of surprise or shock, 3. statements which start with semi-/negative adverbs like never, seldom, only, ... But I didn't know it can be used in statements of wishes or congratulations.
Can I use inverted forms in statements for wishes?
Thanks,

 

[bhaisahab]

There is no inversion. "May" is used here as a modal verb expressing a wish.

 

[atabitaraf]

There is no inversion. "May" is used here as a modal verb expressing a wish.

1. May happy times and warm memories brighten your new year.
2. Happy times and warm memories may brighten your new year.

Sentence 1 does not start with a subject: May + subject so I just thought it must be the inverted form of sentence 2.

 

[Matthew Wai]

'May' has different meanings and usages in 1 and 2.
http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/may_1
Definition#7 fits sentence 1 and definition#1 fits sentence 2.

Not a teacher.

 

[tedmc]

The word 'may' has different meanings in the two sentences.
[FONT=arial, sans-serif]'May' in #1 expresses a wish or hope. Another example : May you be blessed. [/FONT]
'May' in #2 expresses a possibility.

not a teacher

 

[atabitaraf]

So in this case, I believe, in #1, 'may' must be an adverb and not a modal verb. Am I right?

 

[Matthew Wai]

'May' is a modal verb rather than an adverb.

Not a teacher.

 

[atabitaraf]

'May' is a modal verb rather than an adverb.

Not a teacher.

Thanks for you beautiful answers, I think now, if 'may' is a modal verb, so #1 must be in the inverted form.
I think in wish expressions with 'may,' the inverted form is used. And so in this case, 'may' can remain a modal verb.

 

[Matthew Wai]

#1 must be in the inverted form.

It seems that you paid no attention to the answer below.

There is no inversion. "May" is used here as a modal verb expressing a wish.

Not a teacher.

 

[atabitaraf]

It seems that you paid no attention to the answer below. Not a teacher.

No, I did observe all the posts. But the point is that I can see a contradiction in here with the grammar I learned.
You see: If 'may' is a modal, so just in the inverted form it can be used at the beginning of our sentence. Am I right in my definition of inverted form?
My definition of inverted form:
1. In sentences with auxiliary verbs or a 'to be' verb: the place of subject with the first auxiliary verb must be exchanged.
2. In sentences without auxiliary verbs or a 'to be' verb: Do/Does/Did comes in front of the sentence.
If you agree with my statement so either #1 is inverted OR 'may' cannot be a modal. Thanks,