it may works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it may works' is not correct.
In written English, the phrase should be 'it may work'. For example: We've made changes to the system, it may work better now.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although OMACC does not improve the Velvet assembly of the E. coli, it may works for other species.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it may work.

The Economist

It may work, but it may not.

The New York Times

Some of it may work.

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, it may work".

The New York Times

And it may work.

Harvard Business Review

But in Romania, it may work.

The Economist

It may work, it may fizzle.

The New York Times

It may work, and it may not work at all".

The Guardian - Opinion

It may work for you.

Cornell University

As a craft distiller, it may work.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct form of the verb after modal verbs like 'may', 'might', and 'could'. The base form of the verb ('work') is required, not the third-person singular ('works').

Common error

Avoid using the third-person singular form ('works') after modal verbs. Remember that modal verbs such as "may", "might", and "could" always take the base form of the verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may works" attempts to express a possibility or potential outcome. However, it contains a grammatical error. Ludwig AI points out that the modal verb 'may' requires the base form of the verb, making "it may work" the correct form.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it may works" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "it may work". The error lies in using the third-person singular form of the verb ('works') after the modal verb 'may'. Ludwig AI highlights the correct grammatical structure. Although its intended meaning—to express possibility—is often clear from context, adhering to proper grammar enhances clarity and credibility. Related options, such as "it might work" or "it could work", provide similar nuances with correct grammar. Remember to always use the base form of the verb after modal verbs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might work

Replaces 'may' with 'might', indicating a similar level of possibility but with a slightly different connotation. It corrects the grammatical error.

it could work

Substitutes 'may' with 'could', suggesting a potential outcome. Grammatically correct and similar in meaning.

it may be effective

Replaces 'works' with 'be effective', focusing on the outcome of being successful or producing a desired result. It corrects the grammatical error.

it may turn out well

Emphasizes the potential for a positive result, replacing 'works' with a more descriptive phrase. It corrects the grammatical error.

it may function properly

Focuses on the operational aspect, suggesting that something might operate as intended. It corrects the grammatical error.

it has a chance of success

Shifts the focus to the likelihood of achieving a goal. It replaces the original phrase to correct the grammatical error.

it may prove successful

Highlights the potential for a future positive outcome. It corrects the grammatical error.

it may yield results

Indicates the possibility of achieving some outcome or effect. It corrects the grammatical error.

it's potentially viable

Expresses the possibility that something is capable of working successfully. It corrects the grammatical error.

there's a chance it will work

Rephrases the idea to emphasize the possibility of success. It corrects the grammatical error.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "it may works"?

The grammatically correct way to say "it may works" is "it may work". Modal verbs like 'may' are always followed by the base form of the verb.

What does "it may work" mean?

"It may work" suggests that something has a possibility of being effective or successful.

Can I use "it might works" instead of "it may works"?

No, both phrases are grammatically incorrect. The correct alternative is "it might work". 'Might' is also a modal verb, and it requires the base form of the verb.

What are some similar phrases to "it may work"?

Similar phrases include "it could work", "it might work", or "it is potentially viable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.