may even be

USAGE SUMMARY

'may even be' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express something that is possible but somewhat unlikely. For example: His winning the lottery is highly unlikely, but he may even be the lucky winner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I may even be.

The New Yorker

It may even be extinct.

Independent

She may even be good.

The New York Times

They may even be right.

The New York Times

They may even be hip.

The New York Times

He may even be charming".

The New York Times

Which may even be true.

The New York Times

Cheaper may even be better.

Independent

It may even be fun.

The Economist

Some may even be geniuses.

The New York Times

It may even be interesting.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may even be" to introduce a possibility that might seem surprising or unexpected given the context.

Common error

Avoid using "may even be" when you intend to express a high degree of certainty. Reserve this phrase for situations where genuine uncertainty or surprise is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may even be" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a possibility with an element of surprise or unexpectedness. It suggests that something is not only possible but also perhaps somewhat unlikely or surprising. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may even be" is a common and versatile modal verb phrase used to express a possibility, often one that is surprising or unexpected. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media. When writing, use it to introduce possibilities that contrast with expectations. However, avoid it if you intend to convey a high degree of certainty. Consider alternatives like "might even be" or "could even be" to fine-tune your intended meaning. With an expert rating of 4.6, this phrase is a reliable tool for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might even be

Replaces "may" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

could even be

Uses "could" instead of "may", implying a possibility depending on circumstances.

might just be

Adds "just" to "might", subtly intensifying the possibility.

may in fact be

Replaces "even" with "in fact", emphasizing the truth or reality of the possibility.

may actually be

Uses "actually" to highlight that something unexpected might be true.

it is even possible that

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the possibility, adding formality.

it is conceivable that

Replaces "may even be" with a more formal and less common expression of possibility.

it's not impossible that

Expresses possibility by negating impossibility, creating a more indirect statement.

there's a chance it could be

Replaces "may even be" with a more conversational and hesitant expression of possibility.

conceivably

Replaces "may even be" with a single adverb, implying a similar meaning.

FAQs

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

Use "may even be" to suggest a possibility, often one that is somewhat surprising or unexpected. For example, "Despite the challenges, the project "may even be" a success".

What are some alternatives to "may even be"?

Alternatives include "might even be", "could even be", or "may in fact be", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "may even be" in formal writing?

Yes, "may even be" is acceptable in formal writing, though it's important to ensure that the level of possibility and surprise aligns with the overall tone.

What is the difference between "may even be" and "will be"?

"May even be" indicates a possibility or a degree of uncertainty, whereas "will be" expresses a higher degree of certainty about a future event or state.