but maybe even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but maybe even" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest a possibility or to emphasize that something could be more significant or extreme than initially thought. Example: "I thought I would only need a few hours to finish the project, but maybe even a whole day will be required."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But maybe even a more radical scheme is needed.

The New York Times - Magazine

But maybe even the inner circle is about to be cast into the outer darkness.

The New Yorker

But maybe even more than fear, what you hear is futility.

Harvard Business Review

But maybe even more people than I thought are struggling with anxiety.

The Guardian

Lunchtime and ding a ling ding millions of monkeys but maybe even more fruit flies.

The Guardian - Travel

Not just becoming a home run king, but maybe even becoming a president.

The New York Times - Sports

"But maybe even stranger, I was selling Hebrew National hot dogs".

The New York Times

We said we would pull out by July, but maybe even by next month.

The New York Times

Maybe even to the tune of only 50,000 barrels per day of reduction but maybe even a little bit more than that, if he feels, he must.

Columbia University

So you wonder whether not only the head group or the glycerol backbone, but maybe even the tails would be important.

Cornell University

One's only regret was the raw, strident recorded sound in the Schubert, but maybe even that was intentional.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but maybe even" to introduce a surprising or intensifying element to your statement. It effectively adds a layer of possibility beyond the initial expectation.

Common error

While "but maybe even" is acceptable, excessive use can make your writing sound less authoritative. In formal contexts, consider more direct or sophisticated alternatives for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but maybe even" functions as a conjunctive phrase, connecting ideas while introducing an element of possibility or surprise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from news to academic writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but maybe even" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a layer of possibility or surprise within a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While generally neutral in register, it is essential to consider more formal alternatives in certain contexts to maintain an authoritative tone. Ludwig's examples highlight its adaptability and effectiveness in conveying nuanced meanings. It is particularly common in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", offering writers a reliable means to add depth and intrigue to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but perhaps also

Replaces "maybe" with "perhaps", offering a slightly more formal tone.

but possibly even

Substitutes "maybe" with "possibly", suggesting a degree of uncertainty.

or perhaps even

Replaces "but" with "or", presenting the statement as an alternative.

or possibly even

Uses "possibly" instead of "maybe", changing the nuance slightly.

but it's also possible that

Expands the phrase to explicitly state possibility, adding clarity.

yet it could even be

Replaces "but maybe" with "yet it could", introducing a hint of surprise.

but it might even be

Uses "might" instead of "maybe", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

however, it could even be

Adds "however" for contrast, creating a more formal tone.

nevertheless, perhaps even

Combines "nevertheless" with "perhaps", highlighting a contrast and possibility.

indeed, possibly even

Starts with "indeed" for emphasis, followed by "possibly even".

FAQs

How can I use "but maybe even" in a sentence?

The phrase "but maybe even" is used to introduce a possibility, often something unexpected or surprising. For example, "I thought the project would take a week, "but maybe even" longer will be needed".

What are some alternatives to "but maybe even"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "but perhaps also", "but possibly even", or "or perhaps even" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but maybe even"?

Yes, "but maybe even" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. It's used to add an element of possibility or surprise to a statement.

What is the difference between "but maybe even" and "but perhaps even"?

The difference between ""but maybe even"" and "but perhaps even" is subtle. "Perhaps" is slightly more formal than "maybe", but they both serve the same function of introducing a possibility.