may even

USAGE SUMMARY

"may even" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest something that is possible but not very likely. For example: "The single event could have caused the stock market crash, or it may even have been predicted in advance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I may even be.

The New Yorker

He may even die.

The Economist

It may even backfire.

The New Yorker

It may even help.

The Economist

It may even work.

The Economist

It may even be extinct.

Independent

Things may even get worse.

The New York Times - Sports

They may even be hip.

The New York Times

She may even be good.

The New York Times

She may even live longer.

The New York Times

Some may even vote Republican.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may even" to introduce a less obvious or slightly surprising possibility after discussing a more likely scenario. For example, "The project might succeed, it "may even" exceed all expectations."

Common error

Avoid using "may even" excessively in formal contexts where a more direct or definitive statement is appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound uncertain or less authoritative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may even" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating a possibility, often one that is somewhat surprising or less expected than the initial statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may even" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce a possibility, often one that is somewhat surprising or less expected. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely applicable across various contexts, especially in news and media. While suitable for general and even formal writing, it's crucial to use it judiciously and consider stronger alternatives when a higher degree of certainty is required. Overusing it, particularly in formal writing, might dilute the authoritativeness of your message. Remember, alternatives such as "might also" or "could even" can provide similar nuances while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might also

Indicates a similar level of possibility but uses "might" instead of "may".

could even

Suggests possibility, often with a slightly stronger emphasis on potential.

possibly even

Emphasizes the possibility, making it slightly more explicit.

might actually

Implies that something unexpected could happen.

it is conceivable that

A more formal way of expressing possibility, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

it is possible that

A direct and straightforward way to indicate something is not certain but can happen.

conceivably

A shorter form of expressing the possibility of something.

it's not out of the question

Suggests the possibility exists, although perhaps unlikely.

it could be the case that

A more elaborate way of indicating a possible scenario.

imaginably

Indicates that something is within the realm of imagination or possibility.

FAQs

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

Use "may even" to introduce a possibility that is somewhat surprising or less likely than the initial statement. For example, "The company might break even this quarter; it "may even" turn a profit."

What are some alternatives to "may even"?

Alternatives include "might also", "could even", or "possibly even", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is "may even" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "may even" can be used in formal writing, but use it judiciously. In some cases, a more direct or definitive statement might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "may even" and "may well"?

"May even" suggests a possibility that is somewhat surprising or less likely, while "may well" suggests a strong likelihood or probability.