may be worth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be worth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something has potential value or merit, often in a speculative context. Example: "This investment may be worth considering if you're looking for long-term growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may be worth it.

The New York Times

Another historical note may be worth considering.

The New York Times

Its reserves may be worth $40 billion.

The Economist

Individual items may be worth differing points.

University of California, Berkeley

It may be worth it, though.

University of California, Berkeley

But they may be worth it.

The New York Times

It may be worth the money, too.

The New York Times - Tech

These may be worth buying now.

The New York Times

Then it may be worth buying.

The New York Times

It may be worth thinking about, nonetheless.

The New Yorker

Our house may be worth as much!

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of certainty you want to convey. "May be worth" suggests a degree of uncertainty, while stronger phrases might be more appropriate if you are more confident in the value.

Common error

Avoid using "may be worth" when there is no clear evidence or logical basis for potential value. Overstating the value can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be worth" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a suggestion or possibility of potential value, benefit, or merit. It indicates a degree of uncertainty or speculation regarding the worth of something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be worth" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to suggest the potential value or merit of something. According to Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. The analysis indicates a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "may be worth", ensure the context is clear and avoid overstating the value without sufficient evidence. The related phrases such as "could be valuable" and "might be beneficial" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be valuable

Emphasizes the potential value or benefit of something.

might be beneficial

Highlights the potential advantages or positive outcomes.

could prove useful

Focuses on the potential utility or practicality of something.

might warrant consideration

Suggests something is deserving of attention or thought.

could merit investigation

Indicates something may be worthy of further inquiry or study.

might be advantageous

Emphasizes the potential benefits or strategic advantages.

could turn out well

Suggests a potentially positive outcome or result.

might yield results

Focuses on the potential for producing a desired outcome.

could offer promise

Highlights the potential for future success or achievement.

might hold potential

Indicates the presence of latent abilities or unrealized value.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be worth" is used to suggest that something has potential value, benefit, or merit. For example, "This investment may be worth considering for long-term growth".

What are some alternatives to "may be worth"?

You can use alternatives like "could be valuable", "might be beneficial", or "could prove useful" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "maybe worth" instead of "may be worth"?

While "maybe" can function as an adverb meaning "perhaps", it's grammatically incorrect to use it in place of the modal verb "may" in the phrase "may be worth". "May be worth" is the grammatically correct and more formal option.

What's the difference between "may be worth considering" and "is worth considering"?

"May be worth considering" indicates a suggestion or possibility that something is valuable enough to consider. "Is worth considering" implies a stronger recommendation, suggesting something definitely deserves attention.