it may warrant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may warrant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that something might justify or require a particular action or consideration. Example: "The recent findings are significant, and they may warrant further investigation to understand their implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The league will probably review the play, and it may warrant further penalty.

The New York Times - Sports

"Critics of 8chan argue that the site, and others like it, may warrant a similar governmental response: close monitoring and, when talk turns to violence, law-enforcement investigation and intervention," my colleagues wrote.

The Washington Post

However, if this pattern of older drivers being more likely to run red lights is observed in future studies as well, it may warrant increased attention.

Injury Epidemiology

Also called the Sambas Stream Toad or Ansonia latidisca, the species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, and it may warrant protection under local conservation laws.

Science Magazine

For instance, if an epistatic locus also bears a main-effect, it may warrant further study.

BMC Plant Biology

Thus, it may warrant further investigation using a longitudinal study design and implementing computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to measure the muscle and fat distribution within the calf separately.

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

So until HuffPost's investigation, it was difficult to identify which jails may warrant additional scrutiny.

HuffPost

It was also suggested a specimen from California may warrant recognition as a distinct species.

Wikipedia

It does identify, however, areas where there are statistically significant differences which may warrant further investigation.

BMC Health Services Research

It now considers documents like conference presentations to be potentially valuable property that may warrant formal publication.

The New York Times

It isn't a done deal yet, but the agency says the fish may warrant federal protection.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it may warrant" to cautiously suggest that a particular action or consideration is justified, without making a definitive claim. For example, "These preliminary findings are intriguing; "it may warrant" a larger-scale study."

Common error

Avoid using "it may warrant" when a stronger, more definitive statement is appropriate. If the situation clearly requires a specific action, consider using phrases like "it necessitates" or "it demands" instead of "it may warrant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may warrant" functions as a modal phrase expressing a suggestion or possibility. It indicates that something could justify a particular action or consideration. As Ludwig AI states, it suggests that something might justify or require a particular action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

36%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it may warrant" is a useful tool for suggesting a possible justification or need for something, without making a definitive assertion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts. It is most frequently found in scientific and news-related articles, lending itself well to objective and balanced writing. When using this phrase, consider whether a stronger statement is needed or if the cautious suggestion is more appropriate. Alternatives such as "it could justify" or "it might necessitate" can provide similar meanings with subtle variations. Remember to avoid overstating the necessity and instead use the phrase to propose potential actions based on the available information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may justify

Simplifies the phrase by replacing "warrant" with "justify", focusing on the act of justifying.

it could justify

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

it could merit

Replaces "warrant" with "merit", implying that something is worthy of attention.

it might necessitate

Substitutes "warrant" with "necessitate", indicating a stronger sense of requirement.

it could call for

Replaces "warrant" with "call for", implying a need or demand for something.

it could be grounds for

Suggests that something might provide a valid reason or justification.

it might deserve

Substitutes "warrant" with "deserve", suggesting that something has earned consideration.

it may give cause for

Indicates that something could create a reason or basis for a particular action.

it might give rise to

Replaces the entire phrase, suggesting that something could lead to a particular outcome or action.

it may lead to

Focuses on the potential consequence or result of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it may warrant" suggests that something might justify or require a particular action or consideration. For example, "The evidence is compelling, so "it may warrant further investigation"."

What are some alternatives to "it may warrant"?

You can use alternatives like "it could justify", "it might necessitate", or "it could call for" depending on the context.

Is "it may warrant" formal or informal?

"It may warrant" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. Its level of formality falls in between more direct phrases like "it requires" and more casual suggestions.

What is the difference between "it may warrant" and "it warrants"?

"It warrants" implies a stronger justification or need than "it may warrant". The inclusion of "may" softens the statement, suggesting a possibility rather than a certainty.