may be warranted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be warranted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when saying that a particular action may be justified or appropriate in a given situation. For example, "Given the circumstances, a more thorough investigation may be warranted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Such skepticism may be warranted.

The New York Times

But in the absence of effective alternatives, a fresh approach to Khartoum may be warranted.

The New York Times

Financing may need to be obtained, and other consents may be warranted.

The New York Times

Still, "further study of these types of bottler acquisitions may be warranted," the study added.

The New York Times

Once the data are collected, E.P.A. will evaluate what additional actions, if any, may be warranted in accordance with Cercla".

The New York Times

During this period the agency gathers information to determine whether an investigation may be warranted.

The New York Times

The reluctance of Mr. Romney and his team may be warranted.

The New York Times

But with every team jockeying for position, a touch of desperation may be warranted.

The New York Times

Skepticism may be warranted.

Forbes

The doubts may be warranted.

Forbes

In selected patients evaluation for cervicogenic headache may be warranted.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "may be warranted" with a conditional clause (e.g., "if X occurs") to specify the circumstances under which the action becomes appropriate, adding precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "may be warranted" as a weak substitute for direct recommendations. If evidence strongly supports a particular action, use stronger language like "is recommended" or "should be considered" instead. "May be warranted" is best reserved for situations where the justification is genuinely uncertain or dependent on specific conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be warranted" functions as a modal verb phrase suggesting that a particular action or consideration could be justified or appropriate under certain circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be warranted" is a versatile phrase used to suggest that an action or consideration could be justified, without making a definitive claim. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, especially in scientific, news, and formal settings. It's important to consider context when choosing between this phrase and stronger alternatives. The most common uses involve suggesting further investigation, analysis, or specific interventions. When using "may be warranted", clear articulation is essential to maintain clarity and conciseness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be justified

Indicates a possibility that something could be seen as right or reasonable.

could be appropriate

Suggests suitability in a given situation.

may be advisable

Implies a recommendation based on potential benefits.

might be necessary

Indicates a potential requirement or essential action.

could be called for

Suggests that something is needed or appropriate in a particular situation.

might be reasonable

Indicates something is fair and showing sound judgment.

could be defensible

Indicates that something can be justified against criticism.

may be permissible

Suggests that something is allowed but doesn't strongly recommend it.

might be condoned

Implies acceptance of something that may not be ideal.

could be sanctioned

Suggests an official approval or authorization.

FAQs

How to use "may be warranted" in a sentence?

Use "may be warranted" to suggest that a particular action or consideration might be justified or appropriate in a given situation. For example, "Given the unusual test results, further investigation "may be warranted"".

What can I say instead of "may be warranted"?

You can use alternatives like "might be justified", "could be appropriate", or "may be advisable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "may be warranted" or "should be warranted"?

"May be warranted" suggests a possibility or potential justification, while "should be warranted" implies a stronger recommendation or obligation. The choice depends on the level of certainty and the strength of the supporting evidence.

What's the difference between "may be warranted" and "may be necessary"?

"May be warranted" suggests that an action is justified or appropriate, while "may be necessary" indicates that an action is potentially required. "May be warranted" focuses on the justification, while "may be necessary" focuses on the essential nature of the action.