he may show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he may show" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has the possibility or permission to demonstrate or reveal something. Example: "If he feels comfortable, he may show his artwork at the exhibition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Then, in a crucial spot in the ninth, he may show hitters something much harder.

The New York Times - Sports

If he has hidden himself somewhere in Libya he may show up again with targeted killings and assassinations.

The New York Times

But he may show enough strength to have an impact on the platform at the MiamiBeach nominating convention.

The New Yorker

If an infant at that age hears a voice speaking sentences but there is no face present, he may show a fearful facial expression and begin to cry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He may show up late for the meeting, announce he has to leave early and spend his few precious minutes explaining to you how your business works.

The New York Times

Of course, all of this has Mr. Formichetti thinking about his big reveal in March, which he said he may show in Paris or, to be different, in Venice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

And he reckons they may show that growth is a better candidate for causal factor for inclusive institutions than result of inclusive institutions.

The Economist

Of course, classified documents that made up the case against him may show that he is not innocent at all.

The New Yorker

But the surge in mortgage rates in the last two weeks, to 8.65percentt from 8.09percentt, he said, may show that the Fed's message is finally coming through.

The New York Times

The whistleblower who exposed Russia's Olympic doping scandal is firing back at a powerful oligarch who is financing a lawsuit against him in the United States, demanding that the businessman preserve documents that he believes may show Russian President Vladimir Putin's government is secretly behind the litigation.

Huffington Post

Nunes said he viewed documents that may show that President Trump or members of his transition team were improperly identified in intelligence reports regarding surveillance of foreign targets.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he may show" when indicating a possibility or permission for someone to reveal or demonstrate something. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym for variety.

Common error

Avoid using "he may show" repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "he might reveal", "he could demonstrate", or "he could present" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he may show" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or permission. It uses the modal verb 'may' to indicate that the action of 'showing' is not certain but potential. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he may show" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the possibility or permission for someone to reveal or demonstrate something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both informal and professional settings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, as well as encyclopedias and wikis. While versatile, it is important to vary your language to avoid repetition, using alternatives such as "he might reveal", "he could demonstrate", or "he could present".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he might reveal

This alternative replaces "may show" with "might reveal", focusing on the act of uncovering or making something known.

he could demonstrate

This alternative substitutes "may show" with "could demonstrate", highlighting the ability to exhibit or display something.

he might display

This option uses "might display" instead of "may show", emphasizing the act of putting something on view.

he could present

Here, "could present" replaces "may show", focusing on the act of formally introducing or exhibiting something.

he may exhibit

Using "may exhibit" instead of "may show", this alternative highlights the act of displaying a particular quality or behavior.

he might put on display

This phrase replaces "may show" with "might put on display", emphasizing the act of arranging something for public viewing.

he is likely to reveal

This alternative is a more formal way of saying "he may show", indicating a high probability of revealing something.

it's possible he will show

This phrase expresses the possibility of someone showing something, similar to "he may show".

he has the potential to reveal

This alternative focuses on the inherent ability or capacity to reveal something.

he is able to present

This alternative emphasizes the ability to present or display something.

FAQs

What does "he may show" mean?

The phrase "he may show" indicates that it is possible or permissible for a particular male individual to reveal, demonstrate, or exhibit something. It suggests a potential action or behavior.

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

You can use "he may show" to express a possibility. For example, "If he is comfortable, "he might display" his artwork at the exhibition."

What are some alternatives to "he may show"?

You can use alternatives like "he might reveal", "he could demonstrate", or "he could present" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "he may show" and "he will show"?

"He may show" suggests a possibility or permission, while "he will show" indicates a definite intention or certainty. The former is less assertive than the latter.