may have appreciated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may have appreciated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility that someone had a positive reaction or feeling about something in the past. Example: "She may have appreciated the effort I put into organizing the event, even if she didn't say so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

And the stock may have appreciated significantly over that time.

The New York Times

The shivering masses observing this arrangement in the stadium may have appreciated a strategically tapped sprinkler.

The Guardian - Sport

Those who knew Gerrard wrote the song because she missed her family in Australia, may have appreciated it even more.

The Guardian - Music

He may have appreciated gospel music, for example, but he was also quick to point out the loss of the improvised spiritual harmonies it displaced.

The New York Times - Arts

Mummers, who figured in yesterday's festivities, though not in a way they may have appreciated, are among the oldest folk groups in America.

The New Yorker

BlackBerry stalwarts may have appreciated Mr. Heins's apparent strategy of doubling down on the company's existing plans, but the market was far from celebratory.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Camilla may or may not have appreciated the parallels but if she did, they may not have been entirely comfortable for her.

The Guardian - Opinion

More diplomatic was Carmelo Anthony, who may or may not have appreciated all the adulation Lin created for himself last season, some of it probably at Anthony's expense, and who may be motivated to have a lights-out performance on Friday night in Houston.

The New York Times - Sports

"What could be more convenient when you're hung over than a door-to-door taxi service and a Kabuto Hangover Pack to get you back to your desk in a fit enough state to face your inbox and your colleagues (who may or may not have appreciated your rendition of Mariah Carey from the night before…)?" Crispin Busk, founder of Kabuto Noodles, told the Daily Mail.

Huffington Post

The president and his advisers may not have appreciated the consequences of their decisions.

The New York Times

"He may not have appreciated how much opposition there could be".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may have appreciated", ensure the context clearly indicates the possibility, rather than certainty, of someone's positive reaction. This is especially useful when speculating or inferring someone's feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "may have appreciated" when you have definitive proof of someone's appreciation. In such cases, opt for stronger verbs like "acknowledged", "valued", or "praised" to accurately reflect the certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may have appreciated" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a past possibility or speculation about someone's positive reaction or recognition. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may have appreciated" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to indicate a possibility of past positive sentiment or recognition. Ludwig's analysis shows that it is mostly used in News & Media contexts, followed by Scientific and Wiki content. While it might not be as common as other phrases, its proper use can add a nuanced layer of speculation to your writing, ensuring that it is both accurate and engaging. Remember to consider the context and ensure that it aligns with the intended meaning of expressing a possibility rather than a certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might have valued

Replaces "appreciated" with "valued", suggesting a sense of worth or importance.

could have liked

Uses "liked" instead of "appreciated", indicating a more general positive feeling.

might have recognized

Focuses on the act of acknowledging or noticing something's worth.

could have understood

Shifts the focus to comprehension and acknowledgement of importance.

might have enjoyed

Emphasizes the pleasure or satisfaction derived from something.

could have esteemed

Replaces "appreciated" with a more formal synonym, "esteemed", indicating respect and admiration.

might have cherished

Suggests a deep sense of affection and protection.

could have favored

Implies a preference or inclination towards something.

might have welcomed

Highlights a positive reception or acceptance.

could have applauded

Focuses on outward approval or praise.

FAQs

How can I use "may have appreciated" in a sentence?

You can use "may have appreciated" to express a possibility that someone had a positive reaction or feeling about something in the past. For example, "She "may have appreciated" the thought, even if she didn't express it."

What are some alternatives to "may have appreciated"?

You can use alternatives like "might have valued", "could have liked", or "might have recognized" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "might have appreciated" instead of "may have appreciated"?

Yes, "might have appreciated" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning to ""may have appreciated"". Both phrases express a possibility or uncertainty about someone's positive feeling or recognition.

What's the difference between "may appreciate" and "may have appreciated"?

"May appreciate" refers to a possibility in the present or future, while ""may have appreciated"" refers to a possibility in the past. For instance, "She may appreciate the gift" suggests she might appreciate it now, whereas "She "may have appreciated" the gift" suggests she might have appreciated it at some point in the past.