may constitute

USAGE SUMMARY

‘may constitute’ is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility that something is part of a larger whole. For example, "The three parts of the application may constitute a comprehensive picture of the candidate's previous work experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Paris may constitute our last best hope".

The Guardian

"That mistreatment may constitute, in some cases, torture".

The New York Times

This outcome may constitute some level of safety concern.

Nature

This may constitute a challenge to the president.

Harvard Business Review

Master regulators may constitute points of vulnerability within a tumor.

Columbia University

For example, secondhand cigarette smoke may constitute a nuisance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On some interpretations, this alone may constitute a war crime.

The Economist

"We remind the public that downloading extremist material may constitute an offence".

The Guardian

What followed may constitute the most inspiring revolt yet of new media against old.

The New Yorker

But the undersupply of micronutrients may constitute a threat just as serious.

The New York Times - Magazine

Approving the bill may constitute an implicit acceptance and legitimization of capital punishment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may constitute", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject might be a part of or contribute to. Clarity is essential for avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "may constitute" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler alternatives like "might be" or "could be" are often more appropriate and natural. Stick to more formal or professional environments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may constitute" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It suggests that something could be considered as forming or being part of something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a tentative relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may constitute" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility or potential, primarily in formal and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct and usable. Its function is to suggest a tentative relationship or qualified assertion, often seen in news reporting, scientific research, and legal documents. While common, it's best to avoid overuse in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives. The prevalence across authoritative sources underscores its importance in formal communication, emphasizing the need for clarity and precision in its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could comprise

Emphasizes the potential of forming a complete entity; implies a composition.

might form

Focuses on the potential for creation or formation of something.

can represent

Highlights the ability to symbolize or stand for something else.

potentially embody

Suggests the capacity to fully express or represent something abstract.

might be considered

Introduces the idea that something could be viewed or classified in a certain way.

can amount to

Indicates a final result or consequence that something may achieve.

potentially create

Highlights the possibility of generating or producing something new.

may be equivalent to

Implies a possible equivalence or similarity in value or meaning.

could contribute to

Focuses on the role of adding or enhancing something larger.

might lead to

Suggests a possible consequence or outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "may constitute" to suggest that something is a possible component of a larger entity or situation. For example, "These actions "may constitute a violation" of the agreement".

What are some alternatives to "may constitute"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could be", "might form", or "can represent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "may constitute" formal or informal?

"May constitute" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or legal contexts. Simpler alternatives are often better suited for informal communication.

What's the difference between "may constitute" and "constitutes"?

"May constitute" indicates a possibility, while "constitutes" states a fact. "The evidence may constitute grounds for an investigation" suggests a possibility, whereas "The evidence constitutes grounds for an investigation" asserts that it definitively does.