it may so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may so" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an incomplete or incorrect construction and does not convey a clear meaning. Example: "It may so happen that we will meet again."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The defendant, as I understand it, makes no direct sales, and all its transactions will therefore probably fall within the injunction, but the sale of its stockholding retailers will be free, and it may so instruct them.

Harvard University

If America walks away from that agreement, as now it may, so can others.

The Economist

Indeed, there are cases intimating, too broadly (cf. Tidal Oil Co. v. Flanagan, supra), that it must give them that effect; but never has doubt been expressed that it may so treat them if it pleases, whenever injustice or hardship will thereby be averted.

Cornell University

See that you none of you turn in flight towards the ships, daunted by the shouting of the foe, but press forward and keep one another in heart, if it may so be that Olympian Jove the lord of lightning will vouchsafe us to repel our foes, and drive them back towards the city". Thus did the two go about shouting and cheering the Achaeans on.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If the court as a matter of law finds the contract or any clause of the contract to have been unconscionable at the time it was made the court may refuse to enforce the contract, or it may enforce the remainder of the contract without the unconscionable clause, or it may so limit the application of any unconscionable clause as to avoid any unconscionable result.

Harvard University

Civ.Code § 1670.5(a) ("If the court as a matter of law finds the contract or any clause of the contract to have been unconscionable at the time it, was made the court may refuse to enforce the contract, or it may enforce the remainder of the contract without the unconscionable clause, or it may so limit the application of any unconscionable clause as to avoid any unconscionable result".).

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It may do so, or have done so, again.

The New Yorker

It may do so again.

Forbes

It may seem so this weekend.

The New York Times

It may be so.

The New York Times - Books

But it may be so.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and precision, replace the phrase "it may so" with alternatives like "it might happen" or "it could be" to ensure your writing is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid relying on constructions like "it may so" in contemporary writing. Modern readers may find it stilted, leading to misinterpretation or a perception of unnatural language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may so" functions as an introductory element indicating a possibility or potential outcome. However, Ludwig AI indicates it's not considered standard written English and may be an incomplete construction. Similar examples found through Ludwig hint that it precedes a statement about a possible event or condition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it may so" appears in various contexts, including academic, news media, and scientific writing, it is considered grammatically questionable and less common in contemporary English. Ludwig AI marks it as not correct in standard written English. Clearer and more direct alternatives, such as "it might happen" or "it could be", are generally preferred to avoid ambiguity. When aiming for precision and clarity, especially in formal contexts, opting for these alternatives can significantly enhance readability and comprehension. Despite its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist, its infrequent usage and potential for misinterpretation suggest careful consideration before incorporating it into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could happen like that

This alternative suggests a possible scenario or outcome, similar to the potential implied by the original phrase.

it might occur in that way

This phrase replaces "may" with "might" and rephrases "so" for a slightly more formal tone, indicating a possible event.

it is possible that it happens thus

This variant uses "possible" to convey likelihood and "thus" to replace "so", offering a more descriptive explanation of how something could occur.

it can unfold in this manner

Using "can" indicates the potential for something to happen, and "in this manner" replaces "so" for a descriptive approach.

it may come to pass in that fashion

This option uses more formal language to express the possibility of an event happening in a specific way.

it is liable to occur like that

The phrase "liable to occur" suggests a degree of probability, while "like that" maintains the reference to a particular manner.

it has the potential to be that way

This variant emphasizes potential and describes a state rather than an event, indicating similarity in outcome.

it is not out of the question that it turns out so

This phrase conveys possibility by negating impossibility, suggesting that something could indeed happen in a particular way.

it bears the likelihood of ensuing thus

Using "bears the likelihood" offers a formal tone to express the probability of something happening, while "ensuing thus" indicates the way it could unfold.

there is a chance of it unfolding that way

This phrase explicitly mentions chance, focusing on the probabilistic nature of the event happening in a described manner.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "It may so happen that...?"

Consider using clearer alternatives such as "It might happen that...", "It could be that...", or "It's possible that..." for improved readability.

Is "it may so" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "it may so" is an uncommon and potentially confusing construction in modern English. Simpler alternatives are usually preferred.

What's a more common way to express "it may so" in a formal context?

In formal writing, consider "it is possible that" or "it might be the case that" instead of "it may so". These alternatives provide clarity and maintain a professional tone.

How does using "it may so" affect the tone of my writing?

Using "it may so" can make your writing sound archaic or unnatural. Opt for more straightforward phrasing unless you're intentionally aiming for an old-fashioned style.