may come of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may come of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a potential outcome or result that could arise from a particular situation or action. Example: "Many great ideas may come of brainstorming sessions, where creativity flows freely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps something may come of that.

The Economist

Some good may come of all this.

The Economist

Some good may come of the fires.

The New York Times - Travel

Or more precisely: to what extent do we believe that some good may come of it?

The Guardian - Opinion

Many things we cannot foresee may come of this gathering and its vision, tactics and power.

The Guardian

"The process has a long way to go and something or nothing may come of it.

The Guardian - Money

All that said, it is not impossible that something decent may come of the present government.

The New Yorker

It's instinct, then, that tells you, Help this girl and good may come of it.

The New Yorker

Indeed, we may not do evil that good may come of it.

The New York Times

If the affair sparks a rethink of those rules, some good may come of it.

The Economist

Lately there has been evidence that something may come of it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may come of" to suggest a potential outcome without asserting certainty. It's best suited for speculative or forward-looking statements.

Common error

Avoid using "may come of" when a more definitive outcome is known or expected. Opt for stronger verbs or phrases if the result is highly probable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may come of" functions as a verb phrase indicating a potential or possible result. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may come of" is a versatile expression used to indicate potential outcomes or results. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse sources like news articles, academic papers, and even wikis. It's particularly useful when expressing uncertainty or speculation about the future, suggesting that while something is possible, it is not guaranteed. When using "may come of", consider alternatives such as "might arise from" or "could result in" for subtle differences in emphasis. Remember to avoid overstating certainty and opt for stronger language when outcomes are highly probable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might arise from

Focuses on the origination or emergence of something as a result.

could result in

Emphasizes the consequence or effect of a particular action or situation.

might ensue from

Highlights a consequence that follows closely after an event.

could stem from

Suggests that something originates or derives from a specific source or cause.

might be born out of

Implies that something new or innovative is created as a result.

could spring from

Suggests a sudden or unexpected origin or development.

might proceed from

Indicates a logical or sequential progression from a cause or event.

could be a product of

Highlights the result or outcome of a specific process or influence.

might derive from

Focuses on the extraction or obtaining of something from a source.

could unfold from

Suggests a gradual development or revelation from an initial state or event.

FAQs

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

Use "may come of" to express potential outcomes or results. For example, "Many benefits "may come of" this new policy" suggests possible positive consequences.

What are some alternatives to "may come of"?

Alternatives include "might result in", "could arise from", or "might ensue from", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "good may come of it"?

Yes, "good may come of it" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to suggest that a positive outcome is possible, even from a challenging situation.

What is the difference between "may come of" and "might come of"?

The difference between "may come of" and "might come of" is subtle. Both express possibility, but "might" often suggests a slightly lower probability than "may".