may be worthwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be worthwhile" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that something has potential value or merit, but it is not guaranteed. Example: "Investing in renewable energy sources may be worthwhile for long-term sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In this economy, it may be worthwhile to apply anyway.

The New York Times

"Programs targeting this group may be worthwhile," the report said.

The New York Times

IN anticipation of Valentine's Day, it may be worthwhile to consider the therapeutic value of chocolate.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, he said, the software may be worthwhile for those who do use bookmarks.

The New York Times - Tech

"This may be worthwhile, but we shouldn't delude ourselves into thinking it is the answer".

The New York Times

Finally, it may be worthwhile to join a celiac support group.

The New York Times - Health

"There's no doubt that additional investments may be worthwhile," he said.

The New York Times - Health

If there is premature cardiac death, it may be worthwhile to eat soy.

The New York Times - Food

Nevertheless, it may be worthwhile to list a few of the most conspicuous possibilities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But whatever it takes to get readers into "Shocked" may be worthwhile.

The New York Times - Books

For that reason, it may be worthwhile in certain settings to presort the waste stream.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be worthwhile" to introduce ideas or suggestions that require further evaluation or consideration. It's a good way to propose options without fully committing to them.

Common error

Avoid using "may be worthwhile" when the benefits are uncertain or unsubstantiated. Overstating the potential can lead to disappointment and distrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be worthwhile" functions as a qualifier, suggesting that an action or consideration has potential value or merit, but without certainty. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and acceptable usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be worthwhile" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to propose an action or consideration that has potential benefits. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is standard and acceptable. It is commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. When using this phrase, ensure you provide clear context about the potential benefits to enhance clarity and avoid overstating uncertain outcomes. Consider alternatives like "could be beneficial" or "might prove valuable" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be beneficial

Emphasizes the potential positive impact or advantage.

might prove valuable

Highlights the prospective worth or significance.

could be advantageous

Focuses on the potential gains or benefits.

might be fruitful

Suggests the possibility of producing positive results.

could yield dividends

Implies the potential for rewarding outcomes or returns.

might bear fruit

Similar to 'might be fruitful', suggesting eventual success.

could hold promise

Emphasizes the potential for future success or positive outcomes.

might present opportunities

Highlights the possibility of new chances or possibilities.

could offer advantages

Focuses on the potential for gaining benefits or superior position.

might be of some use

Suggests a level of utility or benefit, though possibly limited.

FAQs

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

Use "may be worthwhile" to suggest that an action or consideration could have potential benefits. For example, "Investing in employee training "may be worthwhile" for improving productivity".

What are some alternatives to "may be worthwhile"?

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

Is it better to say "may be worthwhile" or "is worthwhile"?

"May be worthwhile" suggests a possibility or potential benefit that requires further evaluation, while "is worthwhile" implies a more certain and established value. The choice depends on the level of certainty and the context.

What is the difference between "may be worthwhile" and "should be worthwhile"?

"May be worthwhile" indicates a suggestion that is worth considering. "Should be worthwhile", on the other hand, expresses a stronger expectation or recommendation of benefit, usually based on some form of evidence or reasoning.