may demonstrate that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may demonstrate that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing evidence or findings that support a particular conclusion or assertion. Example: "The results of the study may demonstrate that regular exercise improves mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But its case may demonstrate that the pensions lifeboat is full of holes.

The Guardian - Business

It may demonstrate that such media does not have the kinds of effects hypothesized.

MIT Technology Review

If nothing else, Avicii's project may demonstrate that social Web communities can also be leveraged for good.

The Washington Post

Further investigations may demonstrate that Eurostat's black accounts were by no means unique in the EU's bureaucracy.

The Economist

If the acquisition is completed, it may demonstrate that Wall Street is willing to lend again, at least to the nation's top companies with the best credit ratings.

The New York Times

The evangelicals' "amen" to the movie may demonstrate that conservative Protestants have bought more into Hollywood's culture of violence than they would like to admit.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Pickering fight may demonstrate that the Democrats are poised to oppose any of Mr. Bush's choices they deem too conservative.

The New York Times

In a dependency proceeding it may demonstrate that the children are wards of the State because they have no surviving parent or guardian.

Cornell University

Though he primarily appeals to the party's most conservative supporters, the new fracking law may demonstrate that he is also a figure whom centrists can do business with.

Independent

Alternately, refugees may demonstrate that for them to be returned to their home country would put their lives at risk, or would subject them to torture or "cruel and unusual treatment or punishment".

The New York Times

The study of bisexual males conducted by Toronto and Chicago psychologists may demonstrate that men who identify as bisexual are in fact either mostly homosexual or mostly heterosexual ("Straight, Gay or Lying?").

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may demonstrate that" when you want to suggest a potential outcome or interpretation without stating it as a definite fact. This is particularly useful in academic writing, scientific reports, and news articles where objectivity is important.

Common error

Avoid using "may demonstrate that" when the evidence clearly proves a point. Overusing hedging phrases can weaken your argument. In cases where the evidence is strong, opt for more assertive language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may demonstrate that" functions as a hedge, softening the claim being made. Ludwig's examples show that it's used to present a potential conclusion without asserting it as a definitive fact, particularly when discussing research findings or possible outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may demonstrate that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce potential conclusions or interpretations. According to Ludwig, it functions as a hedge, softening the claim and inviting consideration rather than asserting a definitive fact. Its frequency in scientific, news, and academic contexts highlights its suitability for objective and balanced communication. When using the phrase, avoid overstating certainty and consider stronger language when the evidence is conclusive. As Ludwig AI confirmed, the phrase is correct and widely used in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could indicate that

Uses "indicate" instead of "demonstrate", suggesting a slightly weaker level of evidence.

might suggest that

Employs "suggest" instead of "demonstrate", conveying a more tentative connection.

may imply that

Replaces "demonstrate" with "imply", indicating an indirect suggestion.

could prove that

Substitutes "demonstrate" with "prove", implying a stronger level of certainty (though still qualified by "could").

might reveal that

Uses "reveal" in place of "demonstrate", suggesting the unveiling of something previously unknown.

can signify that

Replaces "demonstrate" with "signify", focusing on the meaning or representation.

may lead to the conclusion that

Offers a more verbose alternative, emphasizing the process of drawing a conclusion.

might be evidence that

Frames the statement as presenting evidence, rather than directly demonstrating something.

can be interpreted as

Highlights the subjective aspect of interpretation.

could point to the fact that

Emphasizes that alternative is a clue for further investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "may demonstrate that" in a sentence?

The phrase "may demonstrate that" is used to suggest a possible conclusion based on available evidence. For example, "The study's findings "may demonstrate that" early intervention improves patient outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "may demonstrate that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "could indicate that", "might suggest that", or "may imply that". The best choice depends on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it better to use "may demonstrate that" or "demonstrates that"?

"May demonstrate that" implies a degree of uncertainty or possibility, while "demonstrates that" presents the information as a proven fact. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the strength of the evidence you are presenting.

What is the difference between "may demonstrate that" and "might indicate that"?

Both phrases express uncertainty, but "may demonstrate that" suggests a more direct link between the evidence and the conclusion, whereas "might indicate that" can imply a more indirect or tentative connection.