may be useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'may be useful' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express possibility or probability. For example, "This information may be useful for further research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tweezers or a pin may be useful.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As cautionary rhetoric, they may be useful.

The New York Times

"It may be useful," he said.

The New York Times

This may be useful for future references.

Composite Structures

However, the following information may be useful.

Princeton University

Ensembles may be useful in gaining information.

Stanford University

Even accounting for wider social values may be useful.

The Guardian

Reading rap lyrics may be useful, but it's also tiring.

The New Yorker

History may be useful instead, the guidebook states.

The Guardian

However, the following may be useful in planning your trip.

The New York Times - Travel

A knowledge of these patterns may be useful one day.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be useful" when you want to suggest a potential benefit or application without making a definitive claim. It's ideal for offering suggestions or possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "may be useful" when you have concrete evidence of its utility. In such cases, a more definitive statement is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be useful" functions as a modal phrase expressing a degree of possibility or potential benefit. Ludwig examples showcase its use in suggesting the utility of something without asserting it definitively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

28%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be useful" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to suggest potential benefit or applicability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. With a neutral to formal register, this phrase is commonly employed across diverse fields, including academia, news, and science. When using "may be useful", it's important to consider the context and avoid overstating certainty. Alternatives like "might be helpful" or "could prove beneficial" offer similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could prove beneficial

Suggests a possibility of providing advantages.

might be helpful

Indicates a potential for offering assistance.

could be of assistance

Implies a possibility of aiding someone.

might come in handy

Suggests potential convenience and usefulness.

could be advantageous

Indicates a possibility of creating a favorable position.

might serve a purpose

Implies a potential function or reason for being.

could be valuable

Suggests the potential for worth or importance.

might be worthwhile

Indicates a possible return on investment of time or effort.

could find application

Suggests a potential use in a practical context.

might have some merit

Implies a possible positive quality or advantage.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be useful" to suggest a potential benefit or application. For example, "This tool "may be useful" for data analysis".

What are some alternatives to "may be useful"?

Alternatives include "might be helpful", "could prove beneficial", or "could be of assistance", depending on the context.

When is it better to use "is useful" instead of "may be useful"?

Use "is useful" when you have confirmed evidence or experience demonstrating its utility. "May be useful" implies a possibility, while "is useful" asserts a fact.

Is "might be useful" interchangeable with "may be useful"?

Yes, "might be useful" and "may be useful" are often interchangeable, both indicating a possibility. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.