may fall down

USAGE SUMMARY

"may fall down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a possibility of something happening. For example, "The old tree may fall down any day now."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

However, successful balancing and navigation of a single-wheel robot are quite difficult and challenging since one point contact may fall down in lateral direction with ease.

Mechatronics

To which Turing's response was "The real harm will not come in unless there is an application, in which case a bridge may fall down".

The New Yorker

A robot may fall down if the operator lacks adequate skill even if it is a traversable step.

ROBOMECH Journal

Beware of the latter, you may fall down when you sit on those things.

Huffington Post

It may fall down, causing embarrassment.

WikiHow

You may fall down if you are not comfortable, which will make noise.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

During an attack of a seizure,a person may fell down and can become unconscious.

WikiHow

"The cloth may at times smell bad, or it may also fall down so some people put on many panties or many bikers.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

The one consolation about buying a house is that, while it may leak, fall down or bankrupt you, at least you complete the deal secure in the knowledge that you'll never have to return it.

Independent

Your deposit should be fine, but your rate may fall back down to earth.

Forbes

If the index fails to close above this resistance zone, however, it may fall back down to re-test its longer-term uptrend line.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may fall down" when you want to express a possibility, not a certainty. For example, instead of saying "The old building will fall down", say "The old building "may fall down"" to indicate a chance of it happening.

Common error

Avoid using "may fall down" when you actually mean something is certain to happen. "May" indicates possibility, while "will" indicates certainty. Using "may" when "will" is appropriate can weaken your statement and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may fall down" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or probability of something descending or collapsing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. It is used to express uncertainty rather than a definite event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may fall down" is a grammatically correct and commonly used modal verb phrase that expresses the possibility of something descending or collapsing. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in Wiki articles, news, and scientific writing. It's important to use "may fall down" when you want to indicate a possibility, rather than a certainty. Related phrases include "could collapse" and "might topple". Be careful not to confuse "may" with "will", as "will" expresses certainty, while "may" indicates a chance of the event occurring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could collapse

Focuses on the potential for structural failure.

might topple

Emphasizes a loss of balance and subsequent falling.

could descend

Implies a downward movement, potentially uncontrolled.

might tumble

Suggests an accidental or clumsy fall.

is liable to drop

Indicates a probability of something falling.

is prone to descend

Highlights a predisposition to falling or declining.

could crash

Conveys a more forceful and damaging fall.

might plummet

Suggests a rapid and uncontrolled fall.

is at risk of collapsing

Emphasizes the danger or vulnerability to failing.

is susceptible to falling

Indicates a vulnerability or weakness that could lead to a fall.

FAQs

How can I use "may fall down" in a sentence?

You can use "may fall down" to describe a possibility of something collapsing or descending. For example: "The old tree in the backyard "may fall down" during the next storm".

What phrases are similar to "may fall down"?

Alternatives include "could collapse", "might topple", or "is liable to drop", each varying slightly in nuance.

Is "may fall down" formal or informal?

"May fall down" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from more precise language.

When is it inappropriate to use "may fall down"?

It's inappropriate to use "may fall down" if you want to express certainty. In such cases, use "will fall down" or other phrases that indicate a definite outcome.