he may discover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he may discover" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility that someone will find out or learn something in the future. Example: "If he continues to explore the old library, he may discover hidden manuscripts that have been forgotten for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He may discover we actually have interests in Syria.

The Washington Post

If he does not yield soon, he may discover that his chances have run out.

The Economist

As James Brown implored: Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto – although when he gets there he may discover there Ain't No Chimneys in the Projects.

The Guardian - Music

He may wish to keep his head stuck in the Iraqi sand, but he may discover that the Almighty has His own purposes.

The New York Times

Jake/George regularly frets that, even if he changes the shape of Oswald's day on 11.22.63, he may discover that the conspiracy theorists were right and JFK is taken out by another gunman from the grassy knoll or elsewhere.

The Guardian - Books

For once he gets out of New York (and in Paul's case he would have to be dragged kicking and screaming), he may discover, in the sudden quiet, that he can hear his own voice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This should draw your cat's attention to the pole; In swiping at the toy, he or she may discover the joy of scratching the pole behind it.

WikiHow

Follow his advice today and you may discover he was quite right.

The Guardian - Music

A nurse in an x-ray department, for example, may tell you that she needs a second computer screen, he explains, but fellows may discover instead that what that nurse really needs is a better way of visualizing data, which could be solved with better software.

Science Magazine

Because if he doesn't, Marvel may discover one thing that's not infinite: fans' patience.

Vice

By viewing angels and demons functionally, rather than in terms of their natures, modern man may discover that he has a greater kinship than he has generally realized with men of previous or different cultures in his attempt to gain an advantageous rapport with the transcendent, social, and psychological realms that he faces in everyday life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he may discover" to express a plausible outcome or a future realization, particularly when the subject is actively involved in a process that could lead to the discovery. Consider the context to ensure the level of certainty implied by "may" is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "he may discover" when the discovery is highly certain or already known. In such cases, consider stronger verbs like "will find" or "will confirm" to reflect the higher degree of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he may discover" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potentiality. It suggests that the subject is capable of finding out or learning something in the future. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is a grammatically sound way to communicate a prospective realization.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he may discover" is a versatile phrase used to express a possible future realization or finding. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "may" indicates possibility, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overstating certainty. Alternatives such as "he might find" or "he could realize" offer subtle variations in meaning and formality. By understanding the nuances of this phrase, writers can effectively convey speculation and uncertainty in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he might discover

Replaces "may" with "might", indicating a slightly lower probability.

he could discover

Uses "could" instead of "may", suggesting possibility or ability.

he may find

Substitutes "discover" with "find", offering a more general term for locating something.

he might learn

Replaces "discover" with "learn", shifting the focus to gaining knowledge.

he could realize

Uses "realize" instead of "discover", implying a sudden understanding.

he may come to know

Offers a more formal alternative to "discover", emphasizing the process of learning.

he may ascertain

Replaces "discover" with the more formal "ascertain", implying a careful investigation.

he might stumble upon

Suggests an accidental discovery, adding an element of chance.

he may unearth

Uses "unearth", which implies digging up or revealing something hidden.

he may perceive

Replaces "discover" with "perceive", focusing on sensory or intuitive understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "he may discover" in a sentence?

The phrase "he may discover" is used to suggest a possible future finding or realization. For example: "If he continues his research, "he may discover" a new species of insect."

What's a more formal alternative to "he may discover"?

A more formal alternative would be "he may ascertain" or "he may determine", both of which imply a more deliberate and thorough investigation leading to the discovery.

What's the difference between "he may discover" and "he will discover"?

"He may discover" suggests a possibility, while "he will discover" implies a higher degree of certainty about the future discovery. The choice depends on the context and the speaker's confidence in the outcome.

When is it inappropriate to use "he may discover"?

It's not appropriate to use "he may discover" when the discovery is already a known fact or when a stronger expression of certainty is needed. In such cases, use phrases like "he knows" or "he will find out".