may be gone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be gone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the possibility that someone or something is no longer present or available. Example: "The package may be gone by the time you arrive at the post office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may be gone.

The New York Times

Technically, Neanderthals may be gone.

The Economist

The assumptions may be gone.

The New York Times

It may be gone...

The New Yorker

He may be gone for some time.

The Economist

The mystique may be gone for good.

The Economist

Well, Steve Jobs may be gone.

The New York Times

In a decade they may be gone.

The New York Times

Mr. Hani may be gone.

The New York Times

Ken Starr may be gone.

The New York Times

Federico Fellini may be gone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be gone", consider the audience and choose synonyms that align with the context. Synonyms like "might be lost" or "could disappear" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "may be gone" when you have definite knowledge that something is, in fact, gone. The phrase indicates uncertainty, so using it when certainty exists weakens the statement. In such cases, opt for phrases like "is gone" or "has disappeared."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be gone" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a degree of possibility or uncertainty regarding the absence or disappearance of someone or something. As shown by Ludwig, this structure frames situations as potentially having concluded or ceased.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be gone" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a degree of uncertainty about the absence or disappearance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal settings. While it implies possibility, it is essential to use it judiciously and not to replace it with alternatives like "is gone" if the state of being "gone" is an established fact. High-quality sources frequently employ this phrase. The phrase scores high in expert ratings, so it is a good option to choose when the goal is to express uncertainty in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be absent

Expresses a similar level of possibility regarding someone or something not being present.

might have vanished

Indicates a possibility of complete disappearance, often with a sense of mystery.

could disappear

Focuses on the potential future event of something ceasing to exist or be visible.

might disappear

Similar to "could disappear", but with a slightly more uncertain connotation.

could be lost

Suggests the possibility of something being misplaced or unrecoverable.

might be irretrievable

Implies a possibility that something cannot be recovered or brought back.

could become extinct

Specifically refers to the possibility of a species or type of thing ceasing to exist.

might be obsolete

Indicates a possibility of something becoming outdated and no longer in use.

could cease to exist

A more formal way of expressing the potential for something to completely disappear.

might fade away

Suggests a gradual disappearance, often implying a loss of importance or relevance.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be gone" is used to express the possibility that something or someone is no longer present or available. For example, "The opportunity "may be gone" if you don't act quickly" or "He "may be gone" for the day, but you can try reaching him tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "may be gone"?

Some alternatives to "may be gone" include "could be missing", "might have vanished", or "could disappear". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's inappropriate to use "may be gone" when you are certain about something's absence or disappearance. In such cases, it's better to use stronger phrases like "is gone", "has disappeared", or "is no longer available".

Is there a difference between "may be gone" and "might be gone"?

The phrases "may be gone" and "might be gone" are largely interchangeable and express a similar level of possibility. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. Both indicate uncertainty about the presence or availability of something.