it may pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may pass" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that something might be temporary or that a situation could change over time. Example: "Don't worry too much about the current challenges; it may pass with time and effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

These variations in its location means that it may pass close to the anterior inferior iliac spine and that damage can only be avoided by blunt dissection and the use of drill and soft tissue sleeves during pin insertion [16, 17].

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

When a new asteroid or comet is discovered, scientists need to collect as many sightings as they can to precisely plot its orbit in order to determine how close to Earth it may pass.

Los Angeles Times

And it may pass.

The New York Times

Nobody has yet claimed the JLP leadership, but it may pass to a younger generation.

The Economist

But a growing, if still small, percentage of people are becoming more optimistic that it may pass.

The New York Times

Or it may pass close to the Sun once, and then never again (parabolic or hyperbolic comets, on trajectories that escape the Solar System).

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

If I have a cold, I may pass it on".

The Guardian

The remaining reviewers must also rate your application, and unless they have previously scrutinized it, they may pass judgement only on what they read in the abstract.

Science Magazine

The kids will enjoy doing it year after year and may pass it down to their kids when they get older.

WikiHow

We read "Some more time may pass"; "It is years later, and it isn't"; "And then it is twenty years later".

The Guardian - Books

They may pass it on to others but those viewers will also watch it briefly before passing it on and forgetting about it.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it may pass", consider whether "might" or "could" might be more appropriate based on the level of certainty you wish to convey. "Might" suggests a lower probability than "may", while "could" suggests potential but not necessarily likelihood.

Common error

Avoid using "it may pass" without a clear antecedent for "it". This can lead to ambiguity and confusion for the reader. Always ensure that "it" refers to something previously mentioned or easily understood from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may pass" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or potential. Examples in Ludwig illustrate this usage across diverse contexts, from legislative matters to physical proximity. It suggests that the subject in question has the potential to transition or be approved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it may pass" is a versatile expression used to indicate a possibility or potential occurrence, often in uncertain situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While neutral in tone, it's crucial to ensure clarity by providing a clear reference for "it". Related phrases like "it could pass" or "it might pass" can be used to convey differing levels of certainty. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "it may pass" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could pass

Replaces "may" with "could", indicating a slightly lower degree of possibility.

it might pass

Substitutes "may" with "might", also suggesting a lower probability or uncertainty.

it is possible it will pass

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the possibility of it passing.

it is conceivable it will pass

Uses "conceivable" to suggest that it is imaginable or believable that it will pass.

it is liable to pass

Suggests that it is likely or probable that it will pass.

it is apt to pass

Indicates that it has a natural tendency or inclination to pass.

it is inclined to pass

Similar to "apt", but focuses more on a leaning or preference towards passing.

it is on track to pass

Suggests current progress towards passing, implying it is currently succeeding.

it has a chance to pass

Emphasizes that there is an opportunity for it to pass, but does not guarantee success.

it stands a chance to pass

Similar to "has a chance", highlighting the possibility of passing.

FAQs

What does "it may pass" mean?

The phrase "it may pass" suggests that something has a possibility of occurring or being approved. The likelihood is uncertain but possible. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

When is it appropriate to use "it may pass"?

Use "it may pass" when discussing potential outcomes, such as whether a bill will be approved, a storm will subside, or a trend will fade away. It's suitable when you want to express uncertainty but acknowledge a possibility.

What are some alternatives to "it may pass"?

You can use alternatives like "it could pass", "it might pass", or "it is possible it will pass" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

How does the formality of "it may pass" compare to its alternatives?

The phrase "it may pass" is generally neutral in formality. Alternatives like "it is liable to pass" or "it is apt to pass" may be perceived as slightly more formal, while "it could pass" or "it might pass" maintain a similar level of neutrality.