I may be incorrect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I may be incorrect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing uncertainty about the accuracy of your statement or opinion. Example: "I may be incorrect, but I believe the meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, the failure to find evidence for expression of these two genes with RNA-seq data may suggest that the two genes were expressed in other developmental stages and tissues or at a very low level in the analyzed developmental stages and tissues, or the expression evidence based on the EST and protein data may be incorrect (i.e. as a result of contamination by other samples).

BMC Genomics

"Results that may be incorrect," Dr. Mendelssohn replies.

The New York Times - Science

1.38pm BST Sailing An update: information that today's race has been postponed until tomorrow may be incorrect.

The Guardian - Sport

As it turns out, the word is Kurdish, albeit written using the Arabic alphabet, and the translation may be incorrect.

The New York Times

He says the sale of such data is troubling because race coding may be incorrect.

The New York Times

It may be incorrect to think of dinosaurs as fully extinct, we are told.

The New York Times - Arts

A recent study indicates that Jim's assumption may be incorrect.

The New York Times

We only contact people where we have an indication that information may be incorrect.

Independent

To call the work merely an imitation of painting may be incorrect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet the assumption that people process chunks of information one at a time may be incorrect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But The Lede found that after consulting with independent and United States government satellite experts, the calibration theory may be incorrect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting data or facts, use "I may be incorrect" to show intellectual honesty, particularly when the information is preliminary or subject to change.

Common error

Avoid using "I may be incorrect" excessively, as it can weaken your argument and undermine your confidence. Use it sparingly when you genuinely doubt the accuracy of your information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I may be incorrect" serves as a hedge, softening a statement and indicating uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It functions to mitigate potential disagreement and show politeness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I may be incorrect" is a versatile expression used to introduce a statement with a degree of uncertainty, indicating the speaker's openness to correction. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in various writing contexts. Its common usage in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources reflects its value in intellectual discourse and factual reporting, allowing for humility and the acknowledgement of possible error. When using this phrase, consider the context and frequency to maintain a confident yet open tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I might be wrong

Replaces the modal verb "may" with "might", indicating a similar level of possibility.

I could be wrong

A shorter, more direct version expressing the possibility of being incorrect.

I could be mistaken

Substitutes "may" with "could" and "incorrect" with "mistaken", softening the assertion of error.

It is possible I'm wrong

Shifts the focus to the possibility of being wrong rather than a direct statement.

I stand to be corrected

Indicates willingness to accept correction if wrong, implying potential inaccuracy.

My information may be flawed

Focuses on the information itself being potentially inaccurate, rather than the speaker's correctness.

I am not sure, but

Highlights uncertainty before presenting a statement, suggesting possible inaccuracy.

I suspect I am wrong

Expresses a suspicion or feeling of being incorrect.

I am possibly in error

Uses a more formal tone to convey the possibility of being wrong.

Perhaps I'm off base

Suggests that the speaker's understanding or assumption may be incorrect.

FAQs

How can I use "I may be incorrect" in a sentence?

You can use "I may be incorrect" to introduce a statement where you're uncertain about its accuracy. For example, "I may be incorrect, but I believe the deadline is next Friday."

What's a more formal alternative to "I may be incorrect"?

A more formal alternative is "I could be mistaken". This phrase offers a similar level of politeness and humility while maintaining a more professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "I may be incorrect"?

It's appropriate to use "I may be incorrect" when you want to express a possibility of being wrong, especially when presenting an opinion, interpreting data, or recalling information.

What phrases are similar in meaning to "I may be incorrect"?

Similar phrases include "I might be wrong", "I stand to be corrected", or simply "I could be wrong". All of these express uncertainty.