it may require

USAGE SUMMARY

"it may require" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use "it may require" to suggest that it is possible for something to need an action or resource. For example, "Installing this software update may require an internet connection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may require thinning out.

The New York Times - Health

On occasion it may require expert care.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may require a mid-course correction".

The New York Times

It may require some auxiliary additional techniques.

Measurement

It seems to me it may require primary legislation".

The Guardian

"China has already intimated that it may require exceptional access.

The Guardian

China has intimated that it may require exceptional access.

The Guardian - Opinion

It may require give and take on both sides.

The Telegraph

It may require an updating of the liturgical forms themselves.

Britannica

It may require some Government approval, the announcement said.

The New York Times

It may require, at some times, slightly longer waiting times.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it may require" when suggesting a possible need or condition, but avoid overuse in favor of more direct language when certainty is high.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "it may require" which can create passive and less engaging prose. Instead, consider restructuring sentences to emphasize the actor or agent responsible for the requirement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may require" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or contingency. According to Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically correct, suggesting a need or condition that is not certain but potential. The phrase serves to soften the statement, indicating that the requirement is not absolute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may require" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a potential need or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse to prevent passive voice and maintain engagement. Consider alternatives like "it might need" or "it could demand" for nuanced expressions. Remember to tailor your language to the specific audience and context to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might need

Indicates a slightly weaker possibility or need compared to "it may require".

it could demand

Emphasizes the potential for something to necessitate a specific action or resource.

it might call for

Suggests that something may necessitate a particular action or response.

it could necessitate

A more formal way of saying something might be needed.

it may entail

Focuses on what something might involve as a consequence.

it might involve

Similar to "it may entail" but with a slightly less formal tone.

it may necessitate

More formal and emphatic than "it may require".

it could be essential

Highlights the potential importance or necessity of something.

it may become necessary

Indicates a future possibility of something being needed.

it might be imperative

Emphasizes the urgency or critical nature of a requirement.

FAQs

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

Use "it may require" to indicate that something might need a specific action, resource, or condition. For example, "Successfully completing the project "it may require" additional funding".

What can I say instead of "it may require"?

You can use alternatives like "it might need", "it could demand", or "it may necessitate" depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate to use "it may require" when you want to express a possibility or condition without stating it as a certainty. This phrase is useful in situations where the need is contingent on other factors.

Is "it may require" formal or informal?

"It may require" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it may necessitate" might be preferable in strictly professional or academic settings.