it may be untenable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may be untenable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation, argument, or position that is likely to be unsustainable or impossible to maintain. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it may be untenable to continue with the project as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It may be untenable".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is our belief that this may be untenable in our disciplines.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Although this hypothesis may be untenable in this narrowly defined version, it is now well accepted that besides immunological tolerance, induction of Th1-biased immunity against allergens represents an additional strategy exploited by nature to induce normal healthy immunity instead of exaggerated IgE-driven allergic responses.

Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics

It is now shown that the treatment is probably in error, and that the conclusions may be untenable.

Polymer

If Britain's secular drift continues, that position may be untenable.

The Economist

Such approval may be untenable given the political tensions between the two countries.

The New York Times

Speculation has mounted since August that Jackson's position as police chief, and even the continued existence of his department, may be untenable following the Justice Department's findings.

The Guardian

Scientific inquiry requires considerable humility and the willingness to admit that your latest theory may be untenable in light of later findings.

The New York Times

They worry that forging a stable coalition could prove impossible for either Labour or the Tories because of the complicated electoral maths, and that even a looser arrangement with a smaller party to support a minority government may be untenable.

Independent

But, for many, the situation may be untenable.

BBC

Learning names, even only half of the students' names, may be untenable in classes with over 300 students, or for instructors teaching multiple large sections each semester.

International Journal of STEM Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it may be untenable" when you want to express that a situation, plan, or argument is likely to be unsustainable or impossible to defend in the long run. It's suitable for formal contexts where you need to convey a sense of doubt or fragility regarding the subject at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "it may be untenable" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase is relatively formal and can sound out of place in relaxed settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it might not work" or "it could be difficult" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may be untenable" functions as a modal expression used to convey a degree of uncertainty or doubt about the sustainability or defensibility of a particular situation or course of action. As Ludwig AI suggests, it expresses that something is likely not maintainable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it may be untenable" is a modal expression used to indicate that something is likely unsustainable or impossible to defend. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business contexts. While grammatically sound and frequently used, it should be employed judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal settings. Alternatives such as "it might be unsustainable" or "it could be infeasible" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The phrase's presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its acceptance in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might be unsustainable

Replaces "untenable" with "unsustainable", focusing on the lack of long-term viability.

it could be infeasible

Substitutes "untenable" with "infeasible", highlighting the impracticality of the situation.

it may prove to be impractical

Adds emphasis on the potential for impracticality in the future.

it might not be viable

Replaces "untenable" with "not viable", stressing the lack of potential for success or continuation.

it could become unsupportable

Highlights the possibility that the situation will lose its basis for support.

it may not hold up

Uses a more informal expression suggesting the situation is unlikely to remain valid or effective.

it might be difficult to maintain

Focuses on the challenges of preserving the current state.

it could be hard to justify

Emphasizes the potential difficulty in providing a rationale or defense for the situation.

it may be a losing battle

Uses a metaphorical expression to suggest the situation is likely to fail despite efforts.

it might not be workable

Replaces "untenable" with "not workable", emphasizing that the situation is not practical or capable of being carried out successfully.

FAQs

What does "it may be untenable" mean?

The phrase "it may be untenable" suggests that something is likely to be unsustainable, indefensible, or impossible to maintain in the long run.

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

You can use it to express doubts about the viability of a plan, argument, or situation. For instance, "Given the current economic climate, "it may be untenable" to continue with the project as planned."

What are some alternatives to "it may be untenable"?

Alternatives include "it might be unsustainable", "it could be infeasible", or "it might not be viable" depending on the specific context.

Is "it may be untenable" a formal expression?

Yes, "it may be untenable" is a relatively formal expression suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.