may bring about

USAGE SUMMARY

"may bring about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the possibility that a certain action or event will result in a particular outcome. For example: Adopting stricter energy efficiency measures may bring about a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Together, the laws may bring about real change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Later infections may bring about recurrences of rheumatic fever that damage the heart.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stephen Roach, chief economist at Morgan Stanley, suggested the attacks and their aftermath "may bring about the demise [of globalisation]".

The Economist

"However, there are cases in which maverick melanoma cells may bring about a recurrence after many years," Dr. Guarrera said.

The New York Times - Science

Actually, any successful art (not to mention nitrous oxide, at the dentist's) may bring about something like that.

The New Yorker

Also these results may bring about the enhanced wire bondability and molding compound/solder mask adhesion.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Google claimed that this system may bring about data "contamination".

TechCrunch

Such variation of channel conditions may bring about adverse effect on performance.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The repercussion effects of consumption in metropolitan regions may bring about economic benefits.

Journal of Economic Structures

Improper handling of these problems by local governments may bring about crises in grassroots governance.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Reactor steady-state multiplicity and oscillation phenomena, which may bring about serious incidents, are analyzed based upon system equations.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may bring about" in formal writing, ensure the tone is appropriate. It is often suitable for discussing potential outcomes in research papers, reports, and policy documents.

Common error

Avoid using "may bring about" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "might cause" or "could lead to" often sound more natural and less stilted in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may bring about" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a potential cause-and-effect relationship. It expresses the possibility that a particular action or event will lead to a specific result. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may bring about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a potential consequence or result. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's appropriate for expressing possibilities rather than certainties. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, this phrase offers a nuanced way to discuss potential outcomes. While its usage is widespread, remember to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could lead to

Focuses on the potential consequence or result, using "lead to" instead of "bring about".

might cause

Emphasizes the potential for causation, using "cause" as a direct synonym.

can produce

Highlights the ability to generate or create something, replacing "bring about" with "produce".

may result in

Indicates a potential outcome or effect, using "result in" to convey consequence.

could generate

Stresses the potential for creating or originating something, similar to "can produce".

might trigger

Implies initiating or setting off a chain of events, focusing on the triggering action.

can instigate

Highlights the initiation or commencement of an event or process, using a more formal tone.

may give rise to

Emphasizes the origination or creation of something, using a more formal and literary tone.

could foster

Suggests the promotion or encouragement of something, implying a nurturing or supportive role.

might precipitate

Indicates a hastening or bringing about of an event, often implying a negative or sudden occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "may bring about" in a sentence?

Use "may bring about" to express a potential outcome or consequence, as in: "Stricter regulations "may bring about" a reduction in pollution levels."

What's a simple way to rephrase "may bring about"?

Alternatives include "could cause", "might lead to", or "can result in", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "may bring about" and "will cause"?

"May bring about" suggests a possibility, while "will cause" implies a certainty. Use "may" when the outcome is not guaranteed and "will" when it is definite.

Is "may bring about" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "may bring about" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts where you need to express potential outcomes or consequences in a nuanced way. However, consider alternatives to avoid overuse.