it may well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it may well' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate the possibility of something being true. For example: "It may well be the case that the government will announce a new policy today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may well be.

The Economist

It may well".

Independent

It may well be right.

The Economist

It may well do so.

The Economist

It may well be postponed.

The Economist

It may well be filmed.

Independent

It may well rise further.

The Economist

It may well be true.

The New York Times - Magazine

It may well be less.

The Economist

But it may well fail.

The Economist

It may well compound them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it may well" to express a strong possibility or likelihood, especially when you want to sound more sophisticated than simply saying "it might".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it may well" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it could" or "it might" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may well" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, expressing a strong possibility or likelihood. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it preceding verbs such as 'be', 'rise', 'fail', and 'happen', indicating that something is very likely to occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it may well" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate a high probability or likelihood of something occurring. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news and media sources, suggesting a register that is neutral to formal. When seeking alternative expressions, consider options such as "it is likely" or "it is quite possible" to convey a similar meaning. While versatile, "it may well" is best suited for contexts where a degree of formality is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is quite possible

Replaces "may" with "is possible" and adds "quite" for emphasis.

it is quite probable

Substitutes "may well" with "is probable" and adds "quite" for emphasis.

it is quite likely that

Adding "that" makes the sentence more explicit about what is probable.

it is likely

Uses "likely" instead of "may well" to indicate a high probability.

it is quite possible that

Adds "that" to clarify the dependent clause, slightly increasing formality.

it could easily happen

Emphasizes the ease with which something might occur.

it is entirely possible

Emphasizes the possibility, suggesting no impediment.

it is conceivable

Suggests something is within the realm of possibility, though not necessarily probable.

it is not unlikely

Uses a double negative to imply a reasonable chance of occurrence.

it very well might

Inverts the phrase order and uses "might" instead of "may", altering the tone slightly.

FAQs

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

"It may well" is used to express a strong possibility. For example, "It may well rain tomorrow", or "It may well be the best option available".

What are some alternatives to "it may well"?

Some alternatives include "it is likely", "it is quite possible", or "it could easily happen", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it may well" more formal than "it might"?

Yes, "it may well" generally carries a slightly more formal and sophisticated tone compared to the simpler and more common "it might".

When should I avoid using "it may well"?

Avoid using "it may well" in very informal settings or conversations where a more direct and simple expression would be more appropriate. Phrases like "it could" or "it might" be better suited in casual contexts.