may fall short

USAGE SUMMARY

'may fall short' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you are talking about something that might not achieve the expected result. For example, "Due to unforeseen events, our fundraising efforts may fall short of our goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even Mr Bradley may fall short of what is needed.

The Economist

Though the combined effect may fall short of E.O.

Yale University

This paper explores the implications of three ways that taxes may fall short of this ideal.

Journal of Health Economics

In practice, urban planning processes may fall short of this ideal.

Landscape and Urban Planning

But polls suggest that alliance may fall short of a majority.

The Guardian

Here are some reasons they may repeat this year and some reasons they may fall short.

The Washington Post

If they cannot fortify their starting rotation, they may fall short faster this October.

The New York Times - Sports

The bigger differences come from activities that may fall short of exercise.

The New York Times - Health

And this is one way in which the Christmas present may fall short of our expectations.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, much of the existing work concentrates on explicit integration algorithms which may fall short in the presence of stiffness.

Combustion and Flame

However, in recent weeks, speculation has mounted that Greece may fall short of that target.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider the context. Ensure that the surrounding sentences provide enough information to understand what the subject is potentially falling short of and why.

Common error

Avoid using "may fall short" without specifying what the subject is failing to achieve. A sentence like "Efforts may fall short" lacks clarity. Instead, specify what the efforts might fail to achieve for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may fall short" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or likelihood of something not achieving a desired outcome. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may fall short" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of not achieving a desired outcome. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. While commonly used, it's important to specify what the subject is potentially falling short of to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "might not succeed" or "could prove inadequate" can be used to add nuance. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might not succeed

Focuses on the lack of success rather than the degree of failure. Adds a more direct tone.

could prove inadequate

Highlights the inadequacy of something, suggesting it's not sufficient. It is more formal.

risk being insufficient

Emphasizes the element of risk and potential lack of sufficiency. More nuanced than the original phrase.

may not measure up

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate failure to meet expectations. Less formal.

might be insufficient

Similar in meaning, but changes the verb and removes the specific 'fall' imagery. More direct.

could be found wanting

Emphasizes that a thing is missing, as if it has been looked for but not found. Very Formal.

may fail to reach

Focuses on the failure to reach a specific target or goal. Implies more of a defined objective.

might not be enough

Simpler and more direct, focusing on the lack of sufficiency. Changes the structure significantly.

could miss the mark

Uses idiomatic language to indicate failing to achieve the intended goal. Less formal.

risk being deficient

Highlights the risk of lacking an essential quality or element. More technical in tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "may fall short" to indicate a potential failure to reach a target or expectation. For example: "The team's performance "may fall short" of the required standards if they don't improve their strategy".

What are some alternatives to "may fall short"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "might not succeed", "could prove inadequate", or "risk being insufficient".

What does it mean when something "may fall short"?

It means there's a possibility that something will not meet the required level, standard, or expectation. It suggests uncertainty about achieving a desired outcome.

Is "may fall short" formal or informal?

"May fall short" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider using more precise language depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.