may be so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or uncertainty about a statement or situation. Example: "While I cannot confirm the details, it may be so that the event has been postponed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

That may be so.

The New York Times

It may be so.

The New York Times - Books

Oh, that may be so true!

The New York Times - Magazine

"That may be so," Kirsten admitted.

The New Yorker

In some cases, that may be so.

The Economist

But it may be so.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

That may or may not be so.

The New York Times

That may well be so.

The Economist

French politicians may not be so lucky.

The Economist

Ms Rousseff may not be so lucky.

The Economist

His successors may not be so fortunate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a more direct alternative if you want to sound more assertive. Phrases like "it is possible" or "that could be true" can replace "may be so" in certain contexts without loss of clarity.

Common error

While "may be so" is acceptable, overusing it can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain. Vary your language by incorporating stronger affirmations or direct statements when appropriate to maintain a confident tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be so" functions as an adverbial phrase or modal expression, indicating a degree of uncertainty or qualified agreement. It often introduces a concession before presenting a contrasting viewpoint, similar to how Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be so" is a versatile expression used to convey a degree of uncertainty or qualified agreement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias. Its function is to acknowledge a point or possibility tentatively, leaving room for further discussion or disagreement. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's best to avoid overuse and to consider stronger affirmations or direct statements to maintain a confident tone in your writing. Consider alternatives like "it is possible" or "that could be the case" for variety. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for many writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be

A more concise and informal alternative expressing possibility.

that could be the case

More explicit about the possibility being considered.

that might be true

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the truth aspect.

it is possible

More direct and less idiomatic than the original phrase.

it is conceivable

Slightly more formal and suggests something is imaginable or believable.

that seems plausible

Focuses on the apparent reasonableness or believability of something.

perhaps that's right

Includes an element of conceding or agreeing.

it is potentially so

More formal and emphasizes the potential for something to be true.

that is possibly the situation

More verbose and descriptive, suitable for formal contexts.

I concede that point

Indicates agreement with a specific point, rather than general possibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be so" to express a possibility or uncertainty about a statement. For example, "While I cannot confirm the details, it "may be so" that the event has been postponed."

What's a more formal way to say "may be so"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using "it is possible" or "it is conceivable". These phrases convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Which is correct, "may be so" or "might be so"?

Both ""may be so"" and "might be so" are grammatically correct and express similar levels of possibility. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What can I say instead of "may be so" to sound more confident?

To sound more confident, you could replace "may be so" with phrases like "that is true" or "that is correct" if you agree with the statement. If you're uncertain but leaning towards agreement, consider "that seems plausible".