may have lessened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may have lessened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something has possibly decreased or diminished in intensity or degree. Example: "The recent changes in policy may have lessened the impact of the new regulations on small businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

While the Mozambican government's flood plan, announced last year, may have lessened the damage, Malawi was caught off guard.

The Guardian

The urgency that seemed to be on the margins in August may have lessened, and that's the argument for waiting".

The New York Times

Heritage's gamble is that, while it may have lessened its credibility as a think tank, it has increased its effectiveness in politics over-all.

The New Yorker

That may have lessened the population's immunity and helps explain the rapid spread of the disease since the first case was reported on Feb. 13, Mr. Goetghebuer said.

The New York Times

The economic downturn may have lessened visitor numbers, but the hotels, with their glass-tiled pools and grand marble staircases, keep coming.

The New York Times - Travel

Can't help but to think it may have lessened the blow when as a kid I overheard police officers say things like: "Blacks don't know shit".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Some of the economic concerns from the Fed's March meeting may have have lessened as the job market, retail sales and China all seem on improving trajectories in recent weeks.

Forbes

VZV infection could also increase the risk of cerebral aneurysm and hemorrhage, but this is probably uncommon and inclusion of hemorrhagic strokes may therefore have lessened the association with recent chickenpox [ 7].

Clinical Infectious Diseases

This means I must take the time to explain that not every upper respiratory infection is the flu, and that the flu vaccine may very well have lessened symptoms that would have otherwise been much worse.

HuffPost

For example, a child who has strong skills in the cognitive domain may perform well on math assessments, whereas a child with strong skills in the social or emotional domains may excel at perspective-taking or have lessened anxiety.

Harvard University

Since starting therapy, his fantasies have lessened.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may have lessened", ensure the context clearly indicates what has potentially decreased. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the affected element and its original state.

Common error

Avoid using "may have lessened" when there is definitive evidence of a significant decrease. Instead, use stronger verbs like "reduced", "decreased" or "eliminated" to reflect the certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may have lessened" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility combined with the past perfect tense, indicating a potential reduction or decrease in something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may have lessened" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of a reduction or decrease. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in both News & Media and scientific contexts, rendering it suitable for various writing styles. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what has potentially decreased. While alternatives exist, such as "might have reduced" or "could have diminished", the choice depends on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might have reduced

Suggests a possibility of decrease, similar to "may have lessened" but with a focus on the act of reducing.

may have mitigated

Focuses on reducing the severity or impact of something negative.

could have diminished

Implies a potential decrease in importance or quality, subtly different from lessening in degree.

might have alleviated

Focuses on the relief or reduction of something negative, such as pain or suffering.

could have softened

Suggests a decrease in harshness or intensity, implying a gentler effect.

may have eased

Indicates a potential reduction in difficulty or tension, focusing on a sense of relief.

might have minimized

Suggests a reduction to the smallest possible amount.

might have curtailed

Suggests a limitation or restriction, rather than a simple decrease in size or intensity.

could have tempered

Implies moderation or restraint, reducing intensity or force.

could have attenuated

Implies a weakening or reduction in force, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "may have lessened" to suggest a possible decrease in something. For example: "The new policy "may have lessened" the burden on small businesses."

What phrases are similar to "may have lessened"?

Similar phrases include "might have reduced", "could have diminished", or "may have mitigated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "may have lessened"?

Yes, "may have lessened" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a possible decrease. However, make sure that using "may have lessened" accurately conveys the level of uncertainty you intend.

What is the difference between "may have lessened" and "has lessened"?

"May have lessened" suggests a possibility or uncertainty about the decrease, while "has lessened" indicates a definite decrease that has already occurred.