may condemn

USAGE SUMMARY

"may condemn" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing potential judgment or disapproval of actions or behaviors. Example: "The committee may condemn the actions of the organization." Alternative expressions include "might denounce" and "could criticize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Mr Galí frets that this may condemn the country to a protracted slump.

The Economist

But Darfur's other main rebel groups are not involved in peace talks, which may condemn any agreement to failure.

The Economist

The faithful may tolerate them but not produce them; they may condemn them verbally; or they may destroy them.

The Guardian

(A handwritten copy recently changed hands for $280,000£189,00000).) Others may condemn it as a piece of sugary doggerel.

The Guardian - Books

If, for any reason, we find its presence undesirable, or even simply a matter of indifference, we may condemn it to destruction forthwith.

The New Yorker

"The vast majority of Arabs and Muslims may condemn Sept. 11, but they continue to make disingenuous distinctions between these acts of terror," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Mrs May condemned the action saying: "I think that is shameful, frankly.

BBC

(And of course she had the flaws and blind spots of her class and place and time, which she saw beyond in some ways but not in all. We also have those blind spots later generations may or may not condemn us for).

The New Yorker

Pacifists may also extend moral concern to include concern for all sentient beings; and thus pacifists may also condemn meat-eating and animal cruelty.

SEP

The ECB's target of below 2% may therefore condemn Germany to average inflation of 1% or less.

The Economist

(He may publicly condemn the catechism unless revisions insisted on by Roman theologians are incorporated into the next edition).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may condemn", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is doing the condemning and what is being condemned to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "may condemn" when you intend to express a certain or already enacted condemnation. Use stronger verbs like "condemns" or "has condemned" to convey certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may condemn" functions as a modal verb construction expressing a potential future action. It suggests the possibility of judgment or disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may condemn" serves to express a potential future judgment or disapproval, adding a layer of uncertainty to the statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While it's a versatile phrase, it's essential to distinguish between the potential for condemnation, expressed by "may condemn", and a certain condemnation, which would require a stronger verb. Alternatives like "might censure" or "could denounce" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in formality and intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might censure

Slightly more formal, emphasizing official disapproval.

could denounce

Implies a stronger, more public expression of condemnation.

could reproach

Formal tone suggesting blame and disapproval.

might disapprove of

More direct and personal expression of disagreement or dislike.

may disapprove

Direct expression of disagreement or dislike but more casual

might reprove

More formal and direct version of reproach, suggesting official blame.

could criticize

Suggests offering reasons for finding fault.

may rebuke

Carry a sense of authority and correction.

might judge

Focuses on forming an opinion or evaluation, potentially negative.

might deplore

Expresses strong disapproval and sorrow.

FAQs

How do you use "may condemn" in a sentence?

"May condemn" indicates a possibility of judgment or disapproval. For instance, "Critics "may condemn the decision" if it leads to negative outcomes".

What's a more formal alternative to "may condemn"?

More formal alternatives include "might censure" or "could denounce", which suggest a more official or serious expression of disapproval.

Is "may condemn" stronger or weaker than "condemns"?

"May condemn" is weaker because it expresses a possibility rather than a certainty. "Condemns" indicates that the action of condemning is already taking place.

What's the difference between "may condemn" and "might criticize"?

"May condemn" implies a stronger level of disapproval and judgment, while "might criticize" suggests offering reasons for finding fault, which can be less severe.