may be forthcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be forthcoming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is expected to be provided or happen soon, often in the context of information or responses. Example: "Further details regarding the project timeline may be forthcoming in the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Evidence may be forthcoming.

The New York Times - Health

Answers may be forthcoming.

The Guardian - Opinion

An analysis of gender differences may be forthcoming, Kochanek said.

The Washington Post

But more data by race may be forthcoming.

The New York Times

(She has also directed "Speed-the-Plow," so more notes may be forthcoming).

The New York Times

Potential personnel changes may be forthcoming in the last quarter of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

And, if all goes well, some basic answers may be forthcoming sooner than many people realize.

The New York Times

Several people associated with the administration have hinted that no report may be forthcoming.

The Washington Post

If he is confirmed, none may be forthcoming in his new post.

The New York Times

Officials say the investigation continues and other charges may be forthcoming.

The Guardian

Elimination may be forthcoming but Lennon and his team are determined to relish their Italian trip.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be forthcoming" when you want to indicate that something is likely to be provided or revealed in the future, but without making a definite promise. This phrasing is useful in formal reports, news articles, or professional correspondence where precision and hedging are valued.

Common error

Avoid using "may be forthcoming" when you have definitive knowledge of an event or information release. If you know something will happen, use more direct language like "will be available soon" or "is scheduled for release" to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be forthcoming" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or expectation of a future event or piece of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it qualifying nouns like "answers", "data", "changes", and "details".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be forthcoming" serves as a useful tool for indicating that something is anticipated or expected to happen in the future without making a definitive promise. According to Ludwig AI, this modal verb phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While considered a formal expression, it is crucial to avoid overstating certainty and to utilize more direct language when definitive knowledge is available. Common alternatives include phrases like "might be expected" and "is potentially coming". Its purpose and formality makes it appropriate for professional, academic and reporting scenarios. As Ludwig confirms, it indicates a possibility or expectation of a future event or piece of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be expected

Indicates a possibility of something happening or being provided, similar to "may be forthcoming", but with a slightly weaker sense of expectation.

could be anticipated

Suggests that something can be foreseen or expected, similar to "may be forthcoming", but focusing more on the ability to predict it.

is potentially coming

Emphasizes the possibility of something arriving or happening, mirroring the uncertainty in "may be forthcoming" with a slightly more casual tone.

can be anticipated

Highlights the ability to foresee or expect something, similar to "may be forthcoming", while focusing on anticipation.

is possibly arriving

Indicates the chance of something happening with emphasis on arrival, similar to "may be forthcoming" but less formal.

is likely to happen soon

Expresses a high probability and near-future occurrence, conveying more certainty than "may be forthcoming".

is on the horizon

Suggests that something is approaching or about to happen, similar to "may be forthcoming", but with a stronger sense of imminence.

will possibly happen

Expresses the possibility of something happening in the future, maintaining a similar level of uncertainty as "may be forthcoming".

is scheduled to arrive

Indicates that something is expected to happen according to a schedule, which introduces a degree of certainty not found in "may be forthcoming".

is expected soon

Conveys a sense of anticipation and near-future occurrence, which is similar to "may be forthcoming" but more confident.

FAQs

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

Use "may be forthcoming" to suggest that information or an event is likely to occur in the future but is not yet certain. For instance, "Further details about the investigation "may be forthcoming" next week".

What are some alternatives to "may be forthcoming"?

You can use alternatives like "might be expected", "could be anticipated", or "is potentially coming" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "may be forthcoming" formal or informal?

"May be forthcoming" is generally considered a more formal expression. In casual conversation, phrases like "is potentially coming" or "is possibly arriving" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "may be forthcoming" and "will be forthcoming"?

"May be forthcoming" implies a possibility or likelihood but not a certainty, while "will be forthcoming" suggests a definite future occurrence. Using "may" introduces a degree of uncertainty that "will" eliminates.