may have located

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may have located" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of having found something or someone in the past, often in contexts involving investigation or research. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, we believe we may have located the missing artifact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But with the "postblack" label, Ms. Golden may have located a paradigm shift in contemporary art.

The New York Times - Arts

"We are not sure what additional materials the Justice Department may have located," said the campaign's spokesman, Brian Fallon.

The New York Times

Indonesian search teams have said a sonar scan may have located the fuselage of the AirAsia airliner that crashed two weeks ago with the loss of all 162 people on board.

The Guardian

Now, nearly two centuries after Rio's notorious Valongo wharf began operating, local archaeologists believe they may have located the slave port's ruins during a multibillion-dollar, pre-Olympic renovation of the city's harbour.

The Guardian

Old-fashioned fieldwork may have located the crooked bones of Richard III under a Leicester car park, but it is thanks to DNA extraction and clever imaging software that the scientists have been able to build a simulacrum of the Yorkist king complete with thin lips, jutting jawbone and – a big surprise – blue eyes and fair hair.

The Guardian - Opinion

Officials believe they may have located the tail, which holds the "black boxes", and parts from the fuselage.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Some authors may not consider body modifications an aspect of dress; hence searching for research about dress may not have located some relevant articles related to sex and body modifications such as tattoos or piercings.

Fashion and Textiles

EAST MALVERN, AUSTRALIA--Battling cold, disorientation, and claustrophobic conditions, underwater cavers have located what may be the missing link between two major caves in the spectacular Jenolan Caves system, beneath the Blue Mountains west of Sydney.

Science Magazine

Their locations are now unknown, but the Kirk of Old Skoil may have been located in the far south-east of Stroma where the island's graveyard is now.

Wikipedia

Bush did not disclose the location of any prison, but suspicion has been growing for years that one may have been located on Diego Garcia, around 1,000 miles off Sri Lanka's southern coast.

The Guardian

These stilt houses may have been located over the water for defense and to facilitate trade.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may have located" to indicate a plausible but not definitive finding, especially when reporting on ongoing investigations or research.

Common error

Avoid using "may have located" when stronger evidence exists. If the location is confirmed, use phrases like "has been located" or "was found" to reflect the higher degree of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may have located" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a degree of possibility or uncertainty regarding the act of finding something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it's often used in investigative or reporting contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may have located" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a potential, but unconfirmed, finding or discovery. Ludwig AI validated it's a correct sentence. It's commonly found in news, scientific reports, and general informational content and it is suitable for neutral and factual reporting. When writing, be mindful of overstating certainty if better evidence exists, remember that this phrase implies that the location is a possibility but not yet a certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might have found

Expresses a similar level of possibility, but "found" is a more general term.

could have discovered

"Could" suggests a slightly lower probability, and "discovered" implies something previously unknown.

potentially identified

Focuses on the act of identification, suggesting a preliminary confirmation.

possibly detected

"Detected" implies using specific methods or instruments for finding something.

presumably uncovered

"Uncovered" suggests something hidden was revealed, with an assumption of truth.

allegedly discovered

"Allegedly" implies the discovery is claimed but not yet proven.

are believed to have found

Indicates a belief held by a group or community regarding the finding.

are thought to have identified

Similar to above but expressing what 'people' think, not necessarily a fact.

it's possible they've found

Rephrases the idea in a more conversational way.

there's a chance they've located

Expresses possibility with a slight degree of uncertainty.

FAQs

How to use "may have located" in a sentence?

Use "may have located" to express the possibility that something or someone has been found, but without definitive proof. For example: "Search teams may have located the missing plane's black box."

What can I say instead of "may have located"?

You can use alternatives like "might have found", "could have discovered", or "potentially identified" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "may have located" or "might have located"?

Both "may have located" and "might have located" are grammatically correct and express a similar level of possibility. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

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

"May have located" indicates uncertainty and possibility, while "has located" implies a confirmed finding. For example, "They may have located the source of the leak" suggests it's possible but not confirmed, whereas "They have located the source of the leak" means the source has been definitively found.