changes may occur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "changes may occur" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that something may change, or might not remain the same. For example, "Due to the changing nature of the market, changes may occur in our pricing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Language, spatial or temporal orientation, judgment, perception, and other cognitive capacities decline, and personality changes may occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has long been known that climate changes may occur over long time periods (6,000 to 12,000 years).

Encyclopedia Britannica

In retrograde degeneration, similar changes may occur in neurons that have lost the main recipient of their outflow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Boundary changes may occur, but such changes are made only with the consent of the polities involved and are avoided except in extreme situations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the condition becomes chronic, painful osteoarthritic changes may occur.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

Our results suggest that bilateral changes may occur after long-term sensomotor restriction.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Rickets-like changes may occur in the immature skeleton and reflect an abnormal endochondral ossification.

Insights into Imaging

Functional or metabolic changes may occur, even in the absence of a corresponding anatomical correlate.

Insights into Imaging

Incentives to changes may occur in another lifecycle phase of the technical system.

Procedia Engineering

As these parameters are varied, changes may occur in the qualitative structure of the solutions for certain parameter values.

Advances in Difference Equations

Topological changes may occur in industrial fields due to the faulty nodes or imminent external environmental factors.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "changes may occur", clearly indicate the context in which the changes are likely to happen. This helps the reader understand the potential implications and prepare accordingly.

Common error

While "changes may occur" is grammatically sound, overuse can lead to a passive and less engaging writing style. Consider rephrasing to use a more active voice when appropriate to make your writing more dynamic and direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "changes may occur" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potentiality. It suggests that alterations or modifications are possible but not definite. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

74%

Encyclopedias

5%

News & Media

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "changes may occur" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the possibility of alterations or modifications. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts. Its usage is particularly prevalent in scientific and formal writing, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the context of the potential changes to enhance understanding. While it's a valuable phrase, consider diversifying your writing by using active voice constructs and exploring alternatives like "modifications may take place" or "alterations might arise" to avoid repetitiveness and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

changes might happen

This alternative replaces 'may' with 'might', indicating a slightly lower probability of the changes occurring, and 'occur' with 'happen', making it more informal.

changes could arise

Using 'could' suggests a potential for changes to arise, while 'arise' implies that changes emerge or come into being.

alterations can happen

This alternative utilizes 'can' to denote possibility and 'alterations' in place of "changes", which gives more of a feeling of modifications.

modifications may take place

This phrase replaces "changes" with "modifications", implying more specific adjustments. 'Take place' is a slightly more formal substitute for 'occur'.

revisions may be implemented

This alternative suggests more formal or planned "changes", typically in a documented system.

developments could transpire

This phrase uses 'developments' instead of "changes", suggesting growth or evolution, and 'transpire' as a formal way to say 'occur'.

transformations may unfold

The word "transformations" indicates potentially substantial or dramatic changes, while 'unfold' provides a sense of gradual revelation.

adjustments might be seen

This suggests smaller, less significant "changes". "Seen" indicates observation, rather than occurrence.

variations can present themselves

Using 'variations' suggests differences or deviations and 'present themselves' implies an appearance.

shifts potentially arise

The phrase 'shifts' implies a change in direction or focus. 'Potentially' emphasizes the possibility, and 'arise' suggests they emerge naturally.

FAQs

How can I use "changes may occur" in a sentence?

You can use "changes may occur" to indicate that something is subject to change or not fixed. For example, "Due to market fluctuations, "changes may occur" in pricing strategies".

What's the difference between "changes may occur" and "changes might occur"?

While both phrases indicate possibility, "changes may occur" suggests a slightly higher probability than "changes might occur". "Might" implies a more remote possibility.

Are there more formal alternatives to "changes may occur"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "modifications may take place", "revisions may be implemented", or "alterations may be necessary" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "changes may occur"?

While grammatically correct, "changes may occur" is passive. Using an active voice, such as "factors might alter results", can make your writing more direct and engaging.