discovering it might

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discovering it might" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential outcomes or possibilities that may arise from a discovery or realization. Example: "After conducting the experiment, the researchers were surprised by discovering it might lead to a breakthrough in renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 2007 Weatherford International, an oil service firm with roots in Houston, discovered it might have a bribery problem on its hands–one or more of its employees might have paid bribes in Europe.

Forbes

In 2007 Weatherford International, an oil service firm with roots in Houston, Texas discovered it might have a bribery problem on its hands--one or more of its employees might have paid bribes in Europe.

Forbes

If the source is discovered, it might reflect badly on whoever blew this particular whistle.

The New York Times

They did not allow the House to consider my amendment because they took an unofficial count and discovered it might pass.

The New York Times - Science

Well, one head rolled and another discovered it might be rolling very soon.

Forbes

UCLA logged just eight assists against the Spartans but discovered it might be able to play with just about anyone when it moves the ball.

Los Angeles Times

Funny how a guy who always insisted American institutions couldn't help dismantle America's racism suddenly discovered it might be an issue when he was the black man in trouble.

Huffington Post

We reasoned that, given that transcription factors within families often share similar binding sites (55– 57), it remained a formal possibility that, although the binding site of Arx remains to be discovered, it might be highly similar to that of transcription factors that have already been annotated.

Human Molecular Genetics

So rather than get in trouble all over again, hapless Bill has to look after his boys and pretend to be a decent bloke and single dad for the authorities' benefit – and discovers it might not be a pretence after all.

The Guardian - Film

"We can spend three hours on a paragraph, contextualizing the text, discovering how it might evoke and acknowledge its indebtedness to other language while at the same time revising, distorting or mobilizing that language in another direction," said Cadava, who has been on the Princeton faculty since 1989.

Princeton University

"I approach it like someone coming from another time, finding an odd object, discovering what it might be and what it's capable of.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discovering it might", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "discovering it might" can sound somewhat informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "ascertaining that it could" or "determining that it may" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discovering it might" functions as a clause component introducing a potential consequence or outcome resulting from a discovery. It connects the act of finding something new with a possibility. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discovering it might" serves to introduce a potential outcome following a discovery, expressing a degree of uncertainty. While grammatically correct and deemed usable by Ludwig AI, its formality can be questionable in academic or professional contexts, where alternatives like "ascertaining that it could" may be preferred. Given the limited examples, understanding the context becomes crucial to ensuring clarity and appropriateness. Remember to tailor your choice based on the desired tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Realizing it could

Focuses on the realization aspect more strongly than the discovery itself.

Finding that it may

Emphasizes the act of finding and introduces a slightly more formal tone with 'may'.

Becoming aware it's possible

Focuses on gaining awareness and replaces "might" with "is possible", making it more direct.

Seeing that it perhaps

Uses "seeing" to convey understanding, and "perhaps" as a softer alternative to 'might'.

Uncovering that it possibly

Highlights the uncovering aspect but it's less idiomatic than the original phrase.

Learning it could potentially

Adds 'potentially' for emphasis, making it slightly more verbose.

Grasping it has the potential to

Uses "grasping" to mean understand and expresses potential more emphatically.

Ascertaining it would

Replaces "might" with "would", implying a stronger degree of certainty after the discovery.

Determining it may well

Introduces a more decisive tone by using "determining" and "may well".

Noticing that it is likely

Shifts the focus to observation and replaces "might" with a more direct "is likely".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "discovering it might" to sound more formal?

You can use alternatives like "ascertaining that it could", "determining that it may", or "realizing that it potentially would" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "discovering it might" and "discovering it will"?

"Discovering it might" implies a possibility, whereas "discovering it will" suggests a higher degree of certainty about the outcome.

Is "discovering it might" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, consider using more formal alternatives in academic writing to maintain a professional tone. Phrases like "determining that it may" or "ascertaining that it could" can be more appropriate.

What does "discovering it might" imply about the certainty of an outcome?

The phrase "discovering it might" suggests that the outcome is possible but not definite, indicating a degree of uncertainty or speculation after the discovery.