it may however

USAGE SUMMARY

"it may however" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement that contrasts with the previous one. For example: I know that she loves chocolate, but it may however be a good idea to offer her something else for dessert.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may, however, have met its match.

The Economist

It may, however, influence the strength of sexual selection due to its effects on female responsiveness.

BMC Ecology

It may, however, feel provoked.

The Economist

It may, however, come far sooner.

The Economist

It may, however, be a failing one.

The Economist

It may, however, be a pyrrhic victory.

The Economist

It may, however, be more profitable.

The Guardian - Business

It may, however, prove much more memorable.

The New York Times - Sports

It may, however, be the most economical.

The New York Times

It may, however, change in size.

Methods in Cell Biology

It may, however, have come at the worst possible time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it may however" to smoothly introduce a contrasting point or limitation to a previous statement, ensuring a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "it may however" in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your transitions with alternatives like "nevertheless", "yet", or "on the other hand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may however" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, primarily used to introduce a contrast, concession, or a qualification to a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it smoothly introduces a contrasting point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may however" serves as a conjunctive phrase used to introduce a contrasting element to a preceding statement. Ludwig AI and its examples highlight its prevalence across various domains like News & Media, Science, and Academia, marking it as a versatile and frequently used expression. While grammatically sound, it's important to vary transitional phrases to prevent repetition. Consider alternatives like "nevertheless", "nonetheless", or "on the other hand" to enrich your writing and maintain reader engagement. This phrase is appropriate for neutral to formal writing, adding nuance and balance to your arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may still

Emphasizes the continuation of a possibility despite a contrasting point.

it may nonetheless

Highlights a contrast while maintaining the validity of the initial statement.

it may instead

Suggests an alternative possibility in contrast to what was previously mentioned.

it may though

Offers a more informal way to introduce a contrasting point.

it may conversely

Introduces an idea that is the opposite of the previous statement.

it may yet

Indicates a possibility that still exists despite challenges or doubts.

it may unfortunately

Introduces a contrasting point with a sense of regret or disappointment.

it may therefore

Indicates a consequence or conclusion that contrasts with an initial statement.

it may but

Presents a contrasting point with a sense of limitation or qualification.

it may rather

Suggests a preference for an alternative idea or action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it may however" is used to introduce a contrasting point or to present an exception to a previous statement. For example, "The initial plan was successful; "it may however" require some adjustments moving forward."

What are some alternatives to saying "it may however"?

You can use phrases like "nevertheless", "nonetheless", "yet", or "on the other hand" as alternatives to "it may however", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "it may however" and "however"?

"However" can be used more flexibly, often at the beginning of a sentence or between clauses. "It may however" is more specific in introducing a contrasting possibility or condition tied directly to the preceding clause.

In what contexts is it best to use "it may however"?

The phrase "it may however" is suitable for formal writing, academic papers, and situations where you need to introduce a nuanced or contrasting perspective. It provides a subtle way to balance different points of view.