it may cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"it may cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are pointing out potential consequences of a certain action or circumstance. For example, "Using too much of this cleaner may cause skin irritation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it may cause headaches.

The Economist

In rare cases it may cause seizures.

The New York Times

And it may cause more.

The New York Times

"It may cause disappointment for others.

The Guardian

It may cause him to lose focus sometimes.

The New York Times - Sports

I know it may cause you pain to acknowledge this.

Independent

It may cause even deeper pain ahead.

Forbes

It may cause difficulties within religious groups.'.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

It may cause significant decrease in well index.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

However, it may cause N deficiency in the short-term.

European Journal of Soil Biology

And it may cause instability issue for cascaded systems.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it may cause", clearly specify what 'it' refers to in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "The new policy may cause confusion", write "The implementation of the new policy may cause confusion."

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it may cause". This can make your writing monotonous. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "this could lead to" or rephrasing to emphasize the outcome rather than the potential cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may cause" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential consequence. Ludwig examples show that it introduces a potential outcome of an action or situation. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may cause" is a versatile phrase used to express potential consequences, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and general informational writing. While "it may cause" is generally safe for use, avoid overusing it in consecutive sentences to maintain writing quality. Remember to clearly define what “it” refers to, and consider using synonyms to enhance your writing style. With its neutral register and high frequency, mastering the usage of "it may cause" will elevate your communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might lead to

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

it could result in

Uses "could" instead of "may", suggesting possibility, and replaces "cause" with "result in".

it can bring about

Replaces "may cause" with "can bring about", indicating a potential outcome.

it has the potential to trigger

More formal, emphasizing the potential for initiation.

it is liable to produce

Formal and legalistic, suggesting a tendency to generate a specific outcome.

it runs the risk of generating

Highlights the element of risk involved.

it is apt to create

Suggests a natural tendency or inclination.

it is not out of the question that it will engender

Very formal and emphasizes possibility of something being generated.

it has the capacity to effect

Formal and focuses on the capability to produce an effect.

it may give rise to

More literary, suggesting origination or inception.

FAQs

How can I use "it may cause" in a sentence?

Use "it may cause" to indicate a possible consequence of an action or situation. For example, "Drinking contaminated water may cause illness."

What phrases are similar to "it may cause"?

Similar phrases include "it might lead to", "it could result in", or "it can bring about". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "it may cause" or "it will cause"?

"It may cause" indicates a possibility, while "it will cause" expresses certainty. Use "it may cause" when the outcome is not guaranteed. If you are certain use "it will cause".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "it may cause"?

Avoid using "it may cause" when you have definitive evidence that something will happen. In such cases, using stronger language like "it will cause" or "it does cause" is more appropriate.