may come in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may come in" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a modal verb followed by a verb phrase in the present tense and is used to express possibility or permission for something to happen. Example: "I have told the students that they may come in for the exam now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More cash may come in soon.

The New York Times

These experiences may come in handy.

The New York Times

There is where Geikie may come in.

The New York Times - Sports

The slight cushion may come in handy.

The New York Times - Sports

An extra Bob may come in handy.

The New Yorker

The first may come in Hawaii.

The New Yorker

But that may come in time.

The New York Times - Arts

That may come in the days ahead.

The Guardian - Sport

But you may come in anyway".

The New York Times - Magazine

The grit may come in handy.

The New York Times

International justice may come in handy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may come in" to express a possibility or potential, avoiding stronger assertions unless you have concrete evidence. For instance, "Assistance may come in the form of a grant" suggests a possible avenue without guaranteeing it.

Common error

Avoid using "may come in" when you intend to convey certainty or a high degree of probability. Opt for phrases like "will occur" or "is guaranteed" in such cases to prevent miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may come in" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or permission. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples where it indicates a potential action or state. It suggests something could happen or is allowed to happen, but not with certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may come in" is a grammatically correct and very common modal verb phrase used to express possibility or permission. Ludwig's AI confirms this with numerous examples across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, it serves to indicate potential outcomes or allowances without conveying certainty. It's important to choose stronger alternatives when certainty is intended to avoid miscommunication. Using alternatives such as "might enter", "could be admitted", or "might gain access" can subtly shift the meaning. Ultimately, "may come in" is a versatile phrase that adds nuance to expressions of possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might enter

Changes the modal verb to "might", implying a slightly lower probability of entering.

could be admitted

Uses a passive construction with "could be", suggesting a possibility of being allowed entry.

might gain access

Replaces "come in" with "gain access", focusing on obtaining entry.

may be permitted entry

Emphasizes permission using "may be permitted", making the possibility more formal.

could materialize

Shifts the focus to the possibility of something becoming real or apparent.

is potentially available

Expresses the idea of something being accessible or obtainable in the future.

is possibly arriving

Focuses on the potential future arrival of someone or something.

may be a factor

Suggests a potential influence or role in a situation.

might be useful

Highlights the potential benefit or helpfulness of something.

is perhaps imminent

Indicates that something is possibly about to happen or occur soon.

FAQs

How can I use "may come in" in a sentence?

Use "may come in" to express possibility or permission. For example, "Help "may come in" unexpected ways" indicates a potential outcome without certainty.

What are some alternatives to "may come in"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "might enter", "could be admitted", or "might gain access" to express similar ideas.

When is it appropriate to use "may come in"?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest a possibility or a potential outcome without making a definitive statement. It implies that something is not guaranteed but is within the realm of possibility.

What's the difference between "may come in" and "will come in"?

"May come in" indicates a possibility, while "will come in" expresses certainty. Use "may come in" when you're unsure and "will come in" when you're confident about the outcome.