may have proceeded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may have proceeded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a possibility that something happened in the past, often in a speculative or uncertain context. Example: "The investigation revealed that the project may have proceeded without the necessary approvals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

In a decentralized network like Al Qaeda, much operational planning may have proceeded without Mr. bin Laden's direct participation.

The New York Times

While the original "Self Portrait" could seem chaotic and pandering the versions of "The Boxer" and "Blue Moon," may have proceeded from genuine enthusiasm, but they played like bad jokes—"Another Self Portrait" reframes the argument.

The New Yorker

By the time the panel releases its verdict this summer, construction may have proceeded so far that even Mr Onaga would balk at the cost of stopping it and having to compensate the central government for doing so.There are few other obvious options for relocating it, however.

The Economist

The strain energy accumulation near the trench axis around MY102 may have proceeded because of the relatively high friction prior to the event.

Earth, Planets and Space

The strain energy accumulation near the trench axis may have proceeded because of the relatively high friction, and later this caused a large slip and collapse of the wedge.

Earth, Planets and Space

However, with high-quality crust cover across this study site, recovery from small-scale disturbances such as individual fires, presence of invasive species, or mechanical disruption from mammals may have proceeded more rapidly than if a larger area was severely degraded; recovery rates of soil lichens are positively related to nearby undisturbed lichen cover (Lalley and Viles 2008).

Ecological Processes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"One could reasonably expect that if this problem had been given to an independent technical authority, they may not have proceeded until they solved that technical problem," Mr. Cantrell said.

The New York Times

In recent weeks, discussions between the S.E.C. and accounting firms over a proposal to limit the consulting services that an auditor may provide have proceeded in fits and starts.

The New York Times

Following the initial onshore-offshore diversification, subsequent evolution of lineages may also have proceeded from offshore to onshore.

Plosone

Based on the charges in the FIFA case and the manner in which the investigation appears to have proceeded, that case may offer an ideal opportunity to highlight some of these issues.

Huffington Post

Many have proceeded cautiously.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may have proceeded" when you want to express uncertainty or a degree of speculation about an event that occurred in the past. This phrasing is suitable when the evidence is not conclusive, and you're presenting a possible scenario.

Common error

Avoid using "may have proceeded" in contexts where you have definitive information. Overusing modal verbs can weaken your writing and make it seem less confident. If you know something happened, state it directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may have proceeded" functions as an epistemic modal, indicating a degree of uncertainty or possibility regarding a past action. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrasing suggests that something might have happened, but there is no certainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may have proceeded" is a useful phrase for expressing uncertainty about a past event or action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, particularly in scientific and news-related contexts. Alternatives like "might have continued" or "possibly took place" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. When using "may have proceeded", ensure that the context requires speculation and avoid overusing modal verbs to maintain clarity and confidence in your writing. It is most suitable for neutral to formal writing and less common in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might have continued

Replaces "proceeded" with "continued", implying a duration or ongoing action rather than a single step.

could have advanced

Substitutes "proceeded" with "advanced", suggesting forward movement or progress.

may have advanced

Replaces 'could' with 'may', maintaining the sense of possibility while substituting "proceeded" with "advanced", suggesting forward movement or progress.

might have unfolded

Uses "unfolded" instead of "proceeded", providing a sense of gradual revelation or development.

could have transpired

Employs "transpired" as a more formal synonym for "proceeded", suitable for serious or official contexts.

might have ensued

Replaces "proceeded" with "ensued", emphasizing a consequential relationship between events.

potentially happened

Simplifies the phrasing to a more direct statement of potential occurrence.

possibly took place

Offers a more straightforward alternative, replacing "proceeded" with "took place".

conceivably occurred

Replaces "may have proceeded" with a more concise "conceivably occurred", emphasizing the possibility.

it's possible it went ahead

Breaks down the original phrase into a longer, more explicit expression of possibility and progression.

FAQs

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

Use "may have proceeded" to express a possibility or speculation about a past event. For example: "The project "may have proceeded" without proper authorization."

What's a good alternative to "may have proceeded"?

Alternatives include "might have continued", "could have advanced", or "possibly took place", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "may have proceeded" formal or informal?

"May have proceeded" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for academic, news, or professional writing. It is not typically used in very informal contexts.

When should I use "may have proceeded" vs. "proceeded"?

Use "may have proceeded" when you're unsure whether something actually happened or if you are speculating about its occurrence. Use "proceeded" when you are stating a fact that something happened. For example: "The meeting proceeded as scheduled."