it may be higher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may be higher" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing possibilities or estimates regarding a quantity or value that could exceed a certain level. Example: "The temperature today is expected to reach 85 degrees, but it may be higher if the sun comes out."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

COMELLA -- Yeah, it may be higher, but what I think is, we're given a lot.

The New York Times - Sports

We may downsize a little bit, but it may be higher quality.

The New York Times

Studies generally show that a 1% increase in the marginal tax rate reduced taxable income by 0.1-0.4 0.1-0.4h sometimes and in some places it may be higher.

The Economist

The success of Fifty Shades of Grey (it has sold 5.3m in the UK) suggests the number of people who get a thrill out of it may be higher than previously assumed.

The Guardian

That is probably an exaggeration, but most economists agree that the disease hampers growth, so the cost of not treating it may be higher than doing so (see article).

The Economist

It may be higher on a stormy or windy day.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It may be high.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It may be high in sugar even though it has fiber in it".

The New York Times

Short of engaging his own troops under UN command, it may be high time the US president gave someone in Europe a call.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, it may be high time to Google maples, but a light, welcome breeze wends its way in from the direction of the sheep farm, and, suddenly exhausted, I close my eyes.

The New Yorker

Two means it is still normal but elevated, while 3 and 4 signify that it may be high enough to warrant a trip to the doctor.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it may be higher", ensure the context provides a clear reference point for what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it may be higher" when you have definitive data. This phrase implies uncertainty, so opt for more direct language if you possess concrete information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may be higher" functions as an expression of possibility or uncertainty regarding the magnitude of something. It suggests that a certain value, quantity, or level could potentially exceed a previously mentioned or expected point, as Ludwig shows across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it may be higher" is a versatile expression used to indicate the potential for a value or quantity to exceed a certain point. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business-related content. It serves to introduce a degree of uncertainty, acknowledging that the actual value could be greater than initially stated or estimated. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity by providing a clear reference for what "it" refers to and to avoid using it when you have definitive data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be elevated

Uses "could" to express possibility and "elevated" as a synonym for "higher".

it might be greater

Replaces "may" with "might" and "higher" with "greater", both conveying a similar sense of possibility and magnitude.

it is potentially increased

Emphasizes the potential for an increase using "potentially increased" instead of the simpler "may be higher".

the value could rise

Focuses on the action of rising, applicable when discussing numerical values or abstract levels.

the level could escalate

Highlights a more dramatic increase using "escalate" to suggest a rapid or significant rise.

it is possibly more

Uses "possibly more" to indicate uncertainty about the extent or degree.

the figure may climb

Employs "climb" as a more active verb than "be higher", suitable for quantifiable data.

it is conceivable it's taller

Adds a layer of consideration using "conceivable" and swaps "higher" for "taller" which may work depending the context.

it is within the realm of possibility it's steeper

Puts more emphasis on something being possible by using "within the realm of possibility" while indicating a gradient using "steeper".

the upper limit is unknown

Indicates a lack of precise knowledge about how far an increase may go.

FAQs

How can I use "it may be higher" in a sentence?

Use "it may be higher" to indicate a potential increase or elevation in a given value or quantity. For example: "The estimated cost is $1000, but "it may be higher" depending on the materials used."

What phrases are similar to "it may be higher"?

Similar phrases include "it could be greater", "it might be elevated", or "the value could rise", all expressing a potential increase.

When is it appropriate to use "it may be higher"?

It's appropriate to use "it may be higher" when you suspect or estimate a value could exceed a certain level, but lack precise data to confirm the exact amount.

Is "it may be higher" formal or informal?

"It may be higher" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, maintaining a neutral tone that is appropriate across various settings.