may decide to

USAGE SUMMARY

"may decide to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce an option or to express possibility. For example: "The members of the committee may decide to take a break before continuing the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet Apple may decide to sue Real.

The Economist

Many may decide to stay away.

The Economist

"Rouhani may decide to appoint somebody else.

The New York Times

He may decide to wait until 2018.

The Economist

"Some may decide to stay in France.

The Guardian

Uefa may decide to take disciplinary action.

The Guardian - Sport

He may decide to introduce them.

The New York Times - Tech

She may decide to be a famous heart surgeon.

The Guardian

And Sony itself may decide to walk away from negotiations.

The New York Times

"People may decide to unleash that rage on war profiteers.

The Guardian

Others may decide to return to their own countries".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may decide to" when presenting a possible course of action or a choice that someone might make in the future. For example: "The company may decide to expand its operations overseas."

Common error

While "may decide to" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make the tone seem uncertain or indecisive. Use stronger verbs like "will" or "shall" when expressing a firm intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may decide to" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential future action. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts, showcasing its capacity to introduce optionality in statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may decide to" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express possibility and potential future actions. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse fields like news, science, and general media, where the goal is to expose optionality instead of giving a decision for granted. When writing, consider the level of certainty you wish to convey and adjust the tone accordingly. While grammatically sound and prevalent, the phrase should be employed judiciously, especially in contexts demanding a more decisive tone. Remember to explore alternatives such as "might choose to" or "could opt to" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might choose to

Replaces "decide" with "choose", suggesting a selection from available options. It maintains a similar level of formality but emphasizes the element of choice.

could opt to

Uses "opt" instead of "decide", conveying a sense of preference or strategic selection. Slightly more formal than the original.

might determine to

Substitutes "decide" with "determine", implying a more resolute or considered decision. It is slightly more formal.

may resolve to

Emphasizes a firm decision or commitment, often after a period of deliberation. Slightly more formal and indicates a stronger intent.

could be inclined to

Indicates a tendency or predisposition towards a particular action. It suggests a leaning rather than a firm decision.

might be willing to

Focuses on the willingness or readiness to perform an action. It implies a conditional acceptance rather than a definite decision.

may see fit to

Suggests that an action will be taken if deemed appropriate or necessary. It implies a discretionary judgment.

could take the option to

Highlights the availability of a choice and the potential to exercise it. More verbose but emphasizes the optional nature.

might entertain the possibility of

Indicates that an idea or action is being considered, but without a firm commitment. It suggests initial consideration.

may contemplate

Suggests thinking deeply about the decision

FAQs

How can I use "may decide to" in a sentence?

Use "may decide to" to indicate a possible future action or choice. For example: "The committee "may decide to" postpone the meeting depending on the weather."

What are some alternatives to "may decide to"?

Alternatives include "might choose to", "could opt to", or "might determine to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "may decide to" formal or informal?

"May decide to" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but consider stronger alternatives in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "may decide to" and "will decide to"?

"May decide to" indicates possibility and uncertainty, while "will decide to" expresses a definite intention or future action. The choice depends on the level of certainty you want to convey.