may be lower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be lower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential reductions or decreases in quantity, quality, or value. Example: "The final price of the product may be lower than the initial estimate due to discounts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the national impact may be lower.

The Guardian

British ports, whichever may be lower.

Yale University

"Our data shows the number may be lower than that.

The Washington Post

That may be lower than many private student loans.

The New York Times

Your available income after taxes may be lower than anticipated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The yields may be lower than the long-term bonds, but you will have less volatility.

The New York Times

That said, if you trade in a vehicle, your taxable purchase price may be lower.

The New York Times

Already, people predict that this new generation's life expectancy may be lower than the previous.

The New Yorker

"Current performance may be lower than performance stated," the Fidelity advertisement says.

The New York Times

The last note is usually slightly down-slurred and may be lower in pitch (Figure 2).

Cornell University

Second, governance topics may be lower on the agenda for the target universe.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be lower", ensure the context clearly specifies what is potentially decreasing or being reduced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "may be lower" without a clear point of reference for comparison. Always specify what the subject is lower than to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be lower" functions as a qualifier, indicating a possibility or likelihood of something being less than a previous or expected value. Ludwig AI confirms its common use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be lower" is a versatile expression used to indicate a potential reduction or decrease in various contexts. Ludwig AI categorizes it as grammatically correct and frequently used. It serves to express uncertainty or manage expectations, as seen in examples from news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, ensuring clarity in the comparison is crucial. Alternatives like "could be less" and "might be reduced" offer subtle variations in meaning. In summary, understanding the context and ensuring a clear comparison point are key to effectively using the phrase "may be lower".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be less

Indicates possibility with a slightly stronger emphasis on a diminished quantity or degree.

might be reduced

Suggests a potential decrease, often implying an action or process leading to the reduction.

could be decreased

Similar to "might be reduced", but with a stronger connotation of a deliberate lowering.

might turn out to be less

Adds an element of surprise or eventual realization to the possibility of being lower.

is potentially less

Highlights the potential aspect of being lower, emphasizing uncertainty.

can sometimes be less

Emphasizes that the reduced state is only occasional, not constant.

may prove to be smaller

Adds a degree of certainty over time, indicating that future evidence might confirm reduction.

can occasionally be less

Conveys the possibility of being lower as an infrequent occurrence.

may diminish

Highlights the process of decreasing, rather than simply stating a potential lower state.

might shrink

Uses a more visual term, 'shrink', to depict the possibility of decreasing in size or amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be lower" to express a possibility of reduction or decrease in various contexts. For instance, "The estimated cost "may be lower" than initially projected."

What are some alternatives to "may be lower"?

Alternatives include "could be less", "might be reduced", or "can sometimes be less", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "may be lower" instead of "is lower"?

"May be lower" is appropriate when expressing uncertainty or possibility, while "is lower" indicates a confirmed state. Use "may be lower" when the reduction is not yet certain or is speculative.

Is "may be lower" more formal or informal?

"May be lower" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "might be decreased" may be preferred in strictly formal writing.