may enter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may enter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate permission or possibility for someone to enter a place or situation. Example: "Only authorized personnel may enter the restricted area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Someone may enter prison as a criminal.

The Economist

Occasionally they may enter various freshwater habitats.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thoughts may enter the mind.

Harvard University

He has hinted he may enter politics.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, US law may enter the fray.

The Guardian - Opinion

At 5 30, $500 ticketholders may enter, and at 6 30, $200 ticketholders may enter.

The New York Times

Each team may enter only one idea.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For the preview and cocktail party alone, $250 ticketholders may enter at 6; at 6 30, $150 ticketholders may enter; at 7, $100 ticketholders may enter.

The New York Times

For category A, Universities may enter several student publications.

The Guardian

All other visitors may enter the fair from 1pm onwards.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He alone decides who may enter heaven.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may enter" to indicate a conditional possibility or a granted permission, ensuring the context clearly defines the condition or grantor.

Common error

Avoid using "may enter" when the entry is guaranteed or mandatory. Instead, use phrases like "will enter" or "must enter" to indicate certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may enter" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing permission or possibility. It indicates that someone or something is allowed or has the potential to go into a specific place, situation, or state. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may enter" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express permission or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of permission or possibility, avoiding confusion with guaranteed actions. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "can access" or "is permitted to enter", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can access

Focuses on the ability or right to gain entry or use something.

is able to access

Focuses on the capability to enter or use something.

is permitted to enter

Emphasizes formal authorization or permission for entry.

is authorized to enter

Stresses official approval or clearance for entry.

is allowed to go in

A more informal way of expressing permission to enter.

has access to

Highlights the possession of the means or opportunity to enter.

is eligible to enter

Indicates that someone meets the requirements for entry.

could go into

Suggests a possibility or potential for entering.

might access

Expresses a weaker possibility of gaining entry.

can penetrate

Suggests the ability to pass through or into something.

FAQs

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

Use "may enter" to express permission or possibility. For instance, "Only authorized personnel "are allowed to enter" the restricted area" or "Storms "might access" the region".

What's a more formal alternative to "may enter"?

A more formal alternative is "is permitted to enter". This phrasing emphasizes official authorization or clearance for entry, as in, "Visitors "are permitted to enter" the museum free of charge on Tuesdays".

When should I use "can enter" instead of "may enter"?

"Can enter" generally refers to the ability to enter, while "may enter" indicates permission or possibility. Use "can enter" when describing a physical or technical capability, and "may enter" when referring to authorization or potential access, such as, "With this key, you "are authorized to enter" the building".

What are some synonyms for "may enter"?

Synonyms include "can access", "is allowed to go in", "could go into", or "has access to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.