may be higher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be higher" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential increases in quantity, value, or level, often in contexts like statistics, predictions, or assessments. Example: "The final cost of the project may be higher than initially estimated due to unforeseen expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The proportion may be higher in Brooklyn.

The Economist

"Their tolerance level may be higher," Dr. Dhavale said.

The New York Times

The actual cost of the vehicle may be higher".

The Guardian - Opinion

The stakes may be higher still for the N.L.D.

The New York Times

So your tax payment may be higher than you expect.

Independent

Whole lobsters vary with the market and may be higher.

The New York Times

The stakes may be higher than parents realise.

The Economist

COMELLA -- Yeah, it may be higher, but what I think is, we're given a lot.

The New York Times - Sports

And the fee may be higher if there is a connection.

The New York Times - Travel

The prices may be higher than the average attraction but so too is the quality.

The Guardian - Travel

But Mr. Bevier, the trade magazine editor, thinks the number may be higher, about 10percentt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be higher", ensure the context clearly establishes a baseline for comparison. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a reference point for the potential increase.

Common error

Avoid using "may be higher" without a clear point of reference. For example, instead of saying "Prices may be higher", specify "Prices may be higher than last year" to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be higher" functions as a comparative expression, suggesting a potential increase or elevation in a particular quantity, value, or level. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be higher" is a versatile and commonly used expression for indicating a potential increase or elevation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure that you provide a clear baseline for comparison to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "could be greater" or "might be elevated" exist, "may be higher" remains a straightforward and effective choice for expressing the possibility of an increase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be elevated

Replaces "may" with "could", suggesting possibility, and "higher" with "elevated", implying a raised position or status.

might be greater

Substitutes "may" with "might", indicating a degree of uncertainty, and "higher" with "greater", focusing on magnitude.

potentially exceed

Replaces "may be higher" with a more active construction implying the possibility of surpassing a certain limit or expectation.

conceivably increase

Uses "conceivably" to suggest a possible but not certain rise, and "increase" as a more general term for going up.

could climb

Employs "could" to indicate possibility and "climb" to suggest an upward movement or progression.

possibly rise

Replaces "may" with "possibly", denoting uncertainty, and "higher" with "rise", indicating a general upward trend.

has the potential to increase

Expresses the potential for growth or elevation, emphasizing the inherent capacity for change.

is projected to ascend

Suggests a forecast or expectation of upward movement, using "ascend" for a more formal tone.

is anticipated to grow

Indicates an expectation of increase, using "grow" to imply development or expansion.

is estimated to inflate

Implies an increase in size or amount, often used in economic contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be higher" to express a potential increase in quantity, value, or level. For example, "The estimated cost "may be higher" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "may be higher"?

Alternatives include "could be greater", "might be elevated", or "potentially exceed", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "may be higher than"?

Yes, it is correct to say "may be higher than" when comparing something to a specific reference point. For example, "The risk "may be higher than" previously thought".

What is the difference between "may be higher" and "is higher"?

"May be higher" indicates a possibility or uncertainty about an increase, while "is higher" states a fact. Use "may be higher" when you're unsure, and "is higher" when you have definitive proof.