may have established

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may have established" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a possibility that something was set up or created in the past, often when the speaker is unsure or speculating. Example: "The researchers believe that the ancient civilization may have established trade routes across the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The Court may have established a perfectly reasonable test in this case.

The New Yorker

"People may have established connections – found a flat, got a job – and these are additional costs.

The Guardian

Neither did Spagnuolo, who may have established himself as a prospective head coach.

The New York Times - Sports

Carter may have established that rhythm early in Wednesday's game, but Childs and Williams sustained it.

The New York Times - Sports

The speech may have established him as more of an asset than a liability for the Clinton campaign.

The Guardian

Not all of China's "thumb monkeys" are imported, Shanee said, and China may have established domestic breeding stock.

The Guardian

By winning in this fashion, they may have established a defensive presence that could carry them further than most had dreamed.

The New York Times - Sports

The coup's leaders are slowly coming to the realisation that they may have established order, but that is far from being the law.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a chance to hear the charming Moravian Duets which may have established Dvořák's international reputation, but today are only rarely performed in this country.

The Guardian - Music

But if there are intelligent beings somewhere out there, they wrote, they may have established a channel of communication, aimed also at us.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I believe you have more energy and you may or may not have established a career yet.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize that the action of establishing is recent, consider adding a time frame such as "may have recently established".

Common error

Avoid using "may have established" excessively in contexts where a more definite statement is possible. If evidence strongly suggests that something was established, use a more direct phrasing like "definitely established" or "clearly established".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may have established" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or uncertainty regarding a past action. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a speculation about something being set up or created.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may have established" is a grammatically sound and commonly used modal verb phrase that expresses possibility or uncertainty about a past action. According to Ludwig AI, it is useful for expressing speculation. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as scientific and academic writings. When employing this phrase, consider whether a more direct assertion is possible based on available evidence. For similar expressions, you can use "might have created" or "could have formed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may have founded

Directly implies the act of founding or establishing something, such as an organization.

might have created

Suggests a possibility of creation, replacing "established" with a more direct synonym.

might have set up

Replaces "established" with a phrasal verb indicating the act of arranging or creating something.

could have formed

Indicates a potential formation, emphasizing the process rather than the result of establishing.

may have initiated

Focuses on the beginning or starting point of something, similar to establishing.

might have implemented

Suggests a possible implementation, applicable in contexts involving systems or rules.

could have instituted

Implies a possible formal establishment, often used for rules, laws, or systems.

may have originated

Highlights the origin or source of something, similar to establishing its existence.

might have developed

Indicates a potential development or evolution, which can lead to establishment.

could have pioneered

Suggests a possible pioneering effort, establishing something new or innovative.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "may have established" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "might have instituted" or "could have pioneered" depending on the context. These alternatives add a level of sophistication to your writing.

What's the difference between "may have established" and "has established"?

"May have established" suggests a possibility or uncertainty about whether something was created or set up. "Has established" indicates a confirmed fact that something has been created or set up.

When is it appropriate to use "may have established" in a sentence?

Use "may have established" when you want to express a degree of uncertainty or speculation about a past action or event. It's suitable when you suspect something might have happened but lack concrete evidence.

What are some simpler alternatives to "may have established"?

Simpler alternatives include "might have created" or "could have set up". These options are more straightforward and easier to understand in everyday conversation.