may entail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may entail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is likely to involve or include certain consequences or elements. Example: "Taking on this new project may entail additional responsibilities and longer working hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This strategy may entail consequences.

The Guardian

That may entail even more truth-telling.

The New York Times

Their opaqueness may entail more systemic risk than social value.

The New York Times

For some, it may entail exactly the opposite.

The Guardian

Part of this may entail liberating men from their genitals.

The Guardian

Treatment for large or stubborn wounds may entail skin grafting.

MIT Technology Review

It may entail renegotiated business terms in the lease.

The New York Times

This may entail some modification of the student's research project.

Stanford University

That may entail slower investment and a narrower fiscal gap.

The Economist

This may entail troop cuts and a further reduction in army patrols.

The Guardian

He gave no details of what the "technical plan" may entail.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may entail" when you want to suggest a likely but not definite consequence or condition. It's suitable for formal writing where precision is valued.

Common error

While "may entail" is appropriate for formal contexts, avoid using it in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "might involve" or "could include" would sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may entail" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential consequence. It suggests that something is likely to involve or include specific results, but without absolute certainty. Ludwig shows numerous examples in various contexts, confirming its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

36%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may entail" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a potential consequence or condition. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in formal writing, particularly in science, news, and academic contexts. While it is suitable for conveying possible implications, it's important to consider the level of formality and choose simpler alternatives like "might involve" or "could lead to" in less formal settings. The linguistic analysis further confirms its formal register and its role in introducing a degree of uncertainty regarding possible outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might involve

Suggests a possibility of inclusion or participation, similar to "may entail" but slightly less formal.

could lead to

Emphasizes the potential consequence or outcome of a situation, focusing on causation.

can result in

Similar to "could lead to", highlighting a possible outcome or effect.

might necessitate

Indicates a potential requirement or condition, adding a sense of obligation.

can imply

Focuses on the suggestion or inference that can be drawn from a situation.

may encompass

Highlights the inclusion of various elements within a broader scope, similar to "may entail" but focusing on scope.

might bring about

Implies the potential for a cause-and-effect relationship.

can give rise to

Similar to "could lead to", but emphasizing the origin or beginning of something.

might presuppose

Highlights a condition that is assumed beforehand, adding a sense of dependence.

may constitute

Emphasizes that something may form or compose something else.

FAQs

What does "may entail" mean?

"May entail" means that something is likely to involve or include certain consequences or elements. It suggests a possibility rather than a certainty.

How to use "may entail" in a sentence?

You can use "may entail" to indicate potential consequences or conditions. For example, "Taking on this new project "may entail" additional responsibilities and longer working hours."

What can I say instead of "may entail"?

You can use alternatives like "might involve", "could lead to", or "can result in" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "may entail" or "will entail"?

"May entail" suggests a possibility, while "will entail" indicates a certainty. Use ""may entail"" when the outcome is not guaranteed and "will entail" when it is definitely going to happen.