may always be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may always be" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express a possibility or likelihood that something will always be a certain way in the future. Example: "The beauty of nature may always be a source of inspiration for artists and writers alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There may always be a certain gray associated with it.

The New York Times

There may always be gold at this small beach.

The Guardian

Johnson may always be better remembered than the actual winners.

The New York Times - Sports

There may always be some resentments of newcomers.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm not so sure about that label, but it may always be a nation of eccentrics.

The Guardian

When you get a team of 26 riders there may always be one idiot".

The Guardian - Sport

As with a marriage reconciled after previous infidelity there may always be suspicion.

The Guardian - Sport

Even in our nation, apologists for suppressing or obscuring the truth may always be found.

The New Yorker

The warning may always be: respect the mountain or risk ending up rock bottom.

The Guardian - Music

A rose may always be a rose, but here is a fresh take on a brioche.

The New York Times - Food

One hundred percent turnout may always be a fantasy, practically speaking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may always be" to express a likely, but not certain, continuous condition or state. It's suitable for discussing possibilities and trends in various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "may always be" when a higher degree of certainty is warranted. Phrases like "will always be" or "is certain to be" are more appropriate when the outcome is highly predictable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may always be" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a qualified prediction or possibility about something continuing indefinitely. It is used to convey that while something is likely to persist, there's still an element of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a qualified prediction about a continuous condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may always be" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase that expresses a qualified prediction or possibility about something continuing indefinitely. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. It appears very commonly across various contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific, and formal business domains. When using this phrase, consider the degree of certainty you wish to convey and avoid overstating a case when more definitive language is needed. Alternatives like "could always be" or "will always be" offer different shades of meaning. The phrase functions to express a degree of likelihood about the enduring nature of something, without asserting absolute certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could always be

Expresses a weaker possibility compared to "may", suggesting a hypothetical or less certain enduring state.

might always be

Similar to "could always be", indicating a possibility but with a slightly higher degree of uncertainty about the lasting nature.

can always be

Suggests an inherent ability or potential that persists indefinitely, focusing on capability rather than likelihood.

will always be

Conveys a stronger sense of certainty about a future enduring state, implying a high degree of confidence.

is perpetually

Emphasizes the continuous and ongoing nature of a state, highlighting its constant presence.

is invariably

Highlights the consistent and unchanging aspect of a state, suggesting a predictable pattern.

is eternally

Focuses on the infinite and timeless nature of a state, emphasizing its lasting quality beyond temporal limits.

remains consistently

Highlights the stable or constant status of something over an extended period of time.

persists indefinitely

Emphasizes the ongoing presence of something without a specified end.

endures continuously

Focuses on the unbroken or uninterrupted persistence of a state or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "may always be" in a sentence?

Use "may always be" to indicate a possibility that something will continue indefinitely. For instance, "Technological advancements "may always be" a driver of economic growth".

What are some alternatives to "may always be"?

Consider alternatives such as "could always be", "might always be", or "is likely to remain" depending on the level of certainty you wish to convey.

Is "may always be" interchangeable with "will always be"?

No, "may always be" suggests a possibility, while "will always be" implies a higher degree of certainty. Use "may" when expressing likelihood, and "will" when expressing conviction.

When is it inappropriate to use "may always be"?

Avoid using "may always be" when describing something definitively known or guaranteed. In such cases, using phrases like "is certainly" or "will undoubtedly be" is more appropriate.