Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

may effectively be

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may effectively be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something has the potential to be effective under certain conditions or circumstances. Example: "The new marketing strategy may effectively be the solution we need to increase our customer engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Even worse, if other companies move in lock step, a speaker may effectively be forced offline.

Results reveal that the HTP may effectively be increased by inserting rarefied porous inserts.

As a preliminary study, we show that the method may effectively be used in a domain decomposition approach.

If, say, a disproportionate number of whites get ads for inexpensive Hawaiian vacations, others may effectively be excluded from such vacations.

News & Media

The New York Times

But it also means that those who want to pursue careers may effectively be consigned to the old welfare system, receiving monthly checks without support like child care.

News & Media

The New York Times

Results showed that the proposed algorithm may effectively be used in order to reduce the number of UE assignments in solving the CNDP.

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

You may not effectively be able to start until age 66.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Contact may most effectively be achieved with assistance of intermediaries such as administrative staff, who hold gatekeepers' contact details, diaries and facility access codes.

The company recently sent a note out to students urging them not to panic about this transition, but the model may have effectively been disrupted.

News & Media

TechCrunch

A test and intervention to address this effectively may be the best first move for a number of reasons.

News & Media

Huffington Post

One avenue that may effectively guide such searches is a more systematic haplotype-mining analysis.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may effectively be", ensure the sentence clearly establishes the conditions or factors that would lead to the effectiveness. This adds clarity and strengthens the assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "may effectively be" when the possibility of effectiveness is very low or unsubstantiated. Instead, opt for language that reflects a more cautious or speculative outlook.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may effectively be" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility combined with a degree of effectiveness. It suggests that something has the potential to achieve a desired outcome under certain conditions. As shown in Ludwig's examples, this phrase is often used to describe potential solutions or applications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may effectively be" serves as a nuanced way to express a potential for effectiveness, contingent on certain conditions. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific literature and news media. The phrase suggests a qualified assessment, indicating a good chance of success without absolute certainty. As indicated by Ludwig, it's important to contextualize the phrase by specifying the factors that contribute to its effectiveness and to avoid overstating the potential when evidence is lacking. Alternatives like "could potentially be" or "might successfully be" can be used to convey similar meanings, offering flexibility in writing.

FAQs

How can I use "may effectively be" in a sentence?

Use "may effectively be" to indicate that something has the potential to be effective under certain conditions. For example, "This new strategy "may effectively be" the answer to our problems if implemented correctly."

What are some alternatives to "may effectively be"?

You can use alternatives such as "could potentially be", "might successfully be", or "can realistically be" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "may effectively be" and "is effectively"?

"May effectively be" suggests a possibility or potential, whereas "is effectively" indicates something is already functioning in that way. The former implies a conditionality that the latter lacks.

When should I use "may effectively be" instead of "might effectively be"?

Both "may effectively be" and "might effectively be" express possibility. "May" often suggests a slightly higher probability or permissibility, but in many contexts, they are interchangeable.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: