may be advisable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be advisable" is correct and usable in written English, and it is often used to suggest that something would be wise or appropriate.
For example, "Given the projected increase in demand for the product, it may be advisable to increase production capacity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may be advisable that competent authorities develop non-binding guidance which advises what tests should be performed on what steps.d.d

Environmental Sciences Europe

Still, moving may be advisable.

The New York Times

A more nuanced approach may be advisable.

Harvard Business Review

Applying a 10% weight-correction factor may be advisable.

Stanford University

But it may be advisable for tourists to give the place a wide berth.

The Guardian

At higher speeds, it may be advisable to increase this distance.

Cornell University

That said, if you're a vegetarian, it may be advisable to bring your own salad.

The New York Times - Travel

Increasingly, if you wish to embarrass children in public, it may be advisable to be their parent.

The Guardian - Opinion

We could stop publishing these books altogether - which may be advisable in a time of hysterical mass publication.

The Guardian

So it may be advisable to pack books and clothing, but to save fragile or expensive belongings for the movers.

The New York Times

While medication may be advisable initially, to calm someone down, that is never a long-term cure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be advisable" when suggesting a course of action without asserting it as the only or definitive solution. It's appropriate for offering guidance while acknowledging other possibilities.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "may be advisable" in a single document. Vary your language with alternatives like "could be beneficial" or "should be considered" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be advisable" functions as a modal phrase used to express a suggestion or recommendation. It indicates that a particular course of action is potentially beneficial or wise. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be advisable" is a versatile phrase used to offer suggestions or recommendations in a non-prescriptive way. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across a range of formal contexts, including science, news media, and academia. Its primary function is to guide without dictating, leaving room for consideration of alternative approaches. Be mindful to avoid overuse and consider related phrases such as "may be preferable" or "should be considered" to enrich your writing. Remember also that, using the word of caution, "may be advisable" indicates a proposed option, not the sole course of action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be preferable

Indicates a stronger degree of recommendation than "may be advisable", suggesting a favored option.

may be appropriate

Suggests suitability in a given context, similar to "may be advisable" but focuses on relevance.

may be prudent

Emphasizes caution and wisdom in taking a particular course, similar to "may be advisable" but adds a layer of thoughtfulness.

might be wise

Suggests a judicious approach, similar to "may be advisable" but with a stronger connotation of good judgement.

could be beneficial

Highlights the potential advantages of a course of action, focusing on positive outcomes.

might be advantageous

Focuses on the potential benefits or gains from a specific action.

should be considered

Indicates that something merits thoughtful evaluation, but does not necessarily recommend it.

is worth considering

Suggests that something has enough merit to warrant further thought and attention.

it is recommended

Expresses a formal endorsement or suggestion, carrying a more authoritative tone.

it is suggested

Offers a less forceful recommendation compared to "may be advisable", presenting it as a suggestion.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be advisable" to suggest a wise or appropriate course of action. For example, "Given the circumstances, seeking legal counsel "may be advisable"".

What are some alternatives to "may be advisable"?

Alternatives include "may be preferable", "may be appropriate", or "should be considered", depending on the specific context and level of recommendation.

Is "may be advisable" a strong recommendation?

No, "may be advisable" offers a suggestion, not a mandate. It implies that a course of action is worth considering, but acknowledges other options might also be suitable. A stronger recommendation would be "it is essential" or "it is crucial".

When is it appropriate to use "may be advisable" in writing?

"May be advisable" is suitable in formal and professional writing, such as reports, proposals, or academic papers, where you want to offer advice without being overly directive. It's especially useful when the optimal solution is not definitive.