it may depart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may depart" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of something leaving or moving away, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "If the weather worsens, it may depart from the scheduled route."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Certitude works, however sharply it may depart from the truth.

The New York Times - Arts

Interior ministry officials said the expedition was an attempt to capture a single fugitive Islamist, and it may depart soon.

The New York Times

If psychiatry adheres to a conception of disease that looks like Sydenham's it may depart from the rest of medicine.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But if Chrysler cuts pay, its managers may depart.

The Economist

With its impending presidential elections, France may depart from this script – or so the embattled centrists hope.

The Guardian - Opinion

When this is not the case, but it is allowable to give a more generous diet, we may depart as far from the severity of regimen as the disease, by its mildness, is removed from the extreme.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

More board members may depart in coming weeks.

The New York Times

The TVG function realized in sonars may depart considerably from the exact form.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The accuracy of a reflecting surface may depart from the ideal shape because of manufacturing irregularities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In some species the female may depart on a recuperative feeding cruise within a few hours after laying if her mate is there to take over incubation.

Britannica

Though he arrived injured and may depart early, Beckham brought newfound buzz to M.L.S., helped increase league attendance and boosted its profile around the world.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it may depart" ensure that the pronoun "it" has a clear antecedent in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "it may depart" interchangeably with phrases like "it may deviate" or "it may differ" when you specifically mean leaving or moving away. "Depart" implies a physical or metaphorical movement, while "deviate" suggests a change in course or standard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may depart" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential action. The modal verb "may" indicates uncertainty, while "depart" suggests leaving or moving away. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it may depart" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to express the possibility of something leaving or moving away. While Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity, it's crucial to understand the nuances of its usage. It serves to convey tentative plans or speculative scenarios, fitting well in news, academic, and general contexts. Although "it may depart" is less frequent than its alternatives like "it could leave", it remains a versatile and appropriate choice for expressing potential future actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could leave

Replaces the modal verb "may" with "could", indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

it might exit

Substitutes "depart" with "exit", providing a more direct and less formal alternative.

it is possible it will go

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the possibility of movement.

it is liable to withdraw

Uses "liable" to suggest a tendency toward departure, often in a more formal context.

it is apt to move on

Employs "apt" to indicate a natural inclination to depart or progress.

it is subject to leaving

Highlights that the departure is contingent on certain conditions or factors.

it's on the verge of going

Suggests the departure is imminent and very likely to happen soon.

it threatens to abandon

Implies a sense of impending abandonment or desertion.

it is inclined to pull out

Indicates a preference or tendency to withdraw or depart from a situation.

it shows signs of retreating

Suggests that observable indicators point towards an eventual departure.

FAQs

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

Use "it may depart" to express a possibility of something leaving or moving. For example, "The shipment may depart tomorrow if all documents are finalized."

What are some alternatives to "it may depart"?

You can use alternatives like "it could leave", "it might exit", or "it is possible it will go" depending on the context.

Is "it may depart" formal or informal?

"It may depart" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it leans towards being slightly more formal than alternatives like "it could leave".

What does "it may depart" imply?

"It may depart" implies a possibility or potential for something to leave or move away from a specific location or situation. The level of certainty depends on the context.