may be otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be otherwise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is a possibility of a different situation or outcome than what has been previously stated. Example: "The results of the experiment are promising, but the final conclusions may be otherwise depending on further analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But the truth may be otherwise.

The Guardian

Degenerative joint disease usually develops by middle age, but individuals may be otherwise healthy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unfairness is among the main reasons why we reject deals that may be otherwise mutually advantageous.

The Economist

The compact tidiness of a doll house can be a comfort to those whose lives may be otherwise chaotic.

The New York Times

As she showed me the poem, it ended two stanzas later: "But one day, I know, / it may be otherwise".

The New Yorker

The popular perception may be otherwise, but Australia can do subtlety, elegance and restraint as well as almost anyone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This multivalent assay could be applied to a variety of cells cultured in biopolymers and to tissues from which biochemical components may be otherwise difficult to extract.

Analytical Biochemistry

The randomized placebo-phase design may be especially useful when highly potent therapies for rare diseases are tested or when accrual may be otherwise difficult.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

The RPPD may be especially useful when highly potent therapies for rare diseases are tested or when accrual may be otherwise difficult.

Physical Therapy in Sport

Mediation is often the preferable outcome for small businesses that may be otherwise caught in lengthy and costly legal battles for months, or even years.

The Guardian

Children with A.D.H.D. may find video games even more gratifying than other children do because their dopamine reward circuitry may be otherwise deficient.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be otherwise" to introduce a contrasting possibility or an alternative outcome to what has been previously mentioned. This adds nuance and acknowledges potential variations in your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "may be otherwise" when a simple negation would suffice. For example, instead of "the result may be otherwise incorrect", prefer "the result may be correct".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be otherwise" functions as a modal adjunct, indicating a possibility or alternative to a previously stated condition or expectation. It often introduces a contrasting scenario or outcome. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

42%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be otherwise" is a versatile modal phrase that indicates the possibility of an alternative or different outcome than what is initially suggested. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. It is generally suitable for neutral to formal communication, adding a level of nuance to writing. Alternatives such as "could be different" or "might be the case" can be used to express similar meanings, offering flexibility in phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be different

Expresses a possibility of divergence or alteration from a stated condition.

might be different

Suggests a possibility that the situation could turn out differently.

could be the case

Indicates a potential scenario or fact that differs from the assumed one.

might be the case

Suggests a possibility or scenario that might exist or occur.

may be the alternative

Highlights the presence of another, potentially viable, choice or possibility.

might be an alternative

Introduces another option that could exist or be possible.

could be an exception

Suggests that the present situation may not follow the typical rule.

might be an exception

Points out that a situation may deviate from the norm.

could be a deviation

Implies a divergence from an established path or pattern.

might be a deviation

Suggests a possible departure or variation from what is typical.

FAQs

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

Use "may be otherwise" to indicate that there is a possibility of a different situation or outcome than what has been previously stated. For example: "The data suggests a trend, but the results "may be otherwise" depending on further analysis."

What are some alternatives to "may be otherwise"?

You can use alternatives like "could be different", "might be the case", or "may be the alternative" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "may be otherwise"?

It's appropriate to use "may be otherwise" when you want to acknowledge a potential alternative or exception to a general statement or expectation. This shows a nuanced understanding and avoids making absolute claims.

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

"May be otherwise" implies a possibility or uncertainty, while "is otherwise" indicates a definite contrasting state. For instance, "the report may be otherwise interpreted" suggests a possible alternative interpretation, whereas "the report is otherwise correct" asserts that the report is correct in all other aspects.