may follow later

USAGE SUMMARY

"may follow later" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something will happen at a later time or date than expected. For example, "We'll discuss details tomorrow, but payment may follow later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She gets a hearty round of applause and, receiving her nominee's award from Jools, apologises for any drunkenness that may follow later in the evening.

The Guardian - Music

It said further announcements may follow later.

BBC

Oogenesis may follow later.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A hearing may follow later this year and depending on how many other shareholders join the action, it is understood damages could exceed $1bn.

The Guardian - Business

Seven galleries in Cork Street relocated this month to make way for a redevelopment; five more may follow later this year.Yet the rise of the fairs means galleries no longer require prime real estate, thinks Sarah Monk of the London Art Fair.

The Economist

Two more states may follow, later this year.

Huffington Post

It may be accompanied by body scarification and the removal of teeth, and may be followed later by penile subincision.

Wikipedia

These events may be followed later by inflammatory cell invasion into the glandular tissue and/or mirror an imbalance between processes that restore homeostasis and factors that promote chronic inflammation.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Overseas layoffs will follow later.

The New York Times - Tech

The rest would follow later.

BBC

International markets will follow "later".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may follow later" to indicate a possible, but not guaranteed, sequence of events. For situations where the subsequent event is certain, consider phrases like "will follow" or "is expected to follow".

Common error

Avoid using "might followed later". The correct construction is "may follow later" or "might follow later". Mixing tenses can confuse the reader and make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may follow later" functions as a modal phrase indicating possibility and sequence. It suggests that an action or event is likely to occur after a certain point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may follow later" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the possibility of a subsequent event occurring at a later time. Ludwig AI highlights that it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While not extremely common, it serves as a useful way to indicate uncertainty about timing. Remember to use it when you want to suggest a potential sequence of events without committing to a definite outcome. Ensure clarity by establishing the initial event to which the phrase refers. Alternatives like "might occur subsequently" offer more formal options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might occur subsequently

Replaces "follow" with "occur" and "later" with "subsequently", adding a slightly more formal tone.

may ensue thereafter

Replaces "follow" with "ensue" and "later" with "thereafter", resulting in a more formal and literary expression.

could happen afterward

Substitutes "follow" with "happen" and "later" with "afterward", offering a more casual alternative.

might come next in sequence

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the sequential aspect of the events.

could then transpire

Uses "transpire" instead of "follow", adding a touch of formality and suggesting an unfolding of events.

it is possible it will proceed afterward

Expands the phrase to explicitly state possibility and subsequent action, adding clarity.

a future event may occur

Generalizes the phrase to refer to a future event, losing the direct connection between events.

additional actions may be taken in due course

Focuses on actions taken, using "in due course" to indicate a later time, adding a formal tone.

subsequent developments might unfold

Emphasizes the unfolding nature of developments that occur after the initial event.

further steps may be implemented down the line

Highlights the implementation of steps at a later point, using the informal expression "down the line".

FAQs

How can I use "may follow later" in a sentence?

Use "may follow later" to indicate a potential subsequent action or event. For example, "Initial discussions will take place this week; a formal proposal "may follow later"".

What is a more formal alternative to "may follow later"?

A more formal alternative to "may follow later" is "might occur subsequently". This phrasing adds a touch of formality suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it correct to say "might followed later" instead of "may follow later"?

No, "might followed later" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""may follow later"" or "might follow later". The modal verb should be followed by the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "may follow later" and "will follow later"?

"May follow later" indicates a possibility, while "will follow later" expresses a higher degree of certainty. Use ""may follow later"" when the subsequent event is not guaranteed.