may have received

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may have received" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a possibility that something has happened in the past. For example: "John may have received his package already, but we won't know for sure until he calls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mitchell concluded that "other players may have received similar notice".

The New York Times - Sports

But some may have received it later, she said.

The New York Times

Now, Mr. Greenberg may have received some unintended assistance from the United States Treasury.

The New York Times

You may have received conflicting advice on how to act when you encounter a bear.

The New Yorker

Federal investigators believe that hundreds of patients may have received the weakened cancer drugs.

The New York Times

Federal investigators say at least 10 doctors may have received the diluted drugs.

The New York Times

The force declined to comment on any warnings it may have received about Alromisse.

The Guardian

They may have received loans, or secretly owned profitable businesses that supported the flurry of spending.

The New Yorker

And that means whatever lift stocks may have received from that will be lost.

The New York Times

It is not clear how many other institutions may have received subpoenas.

The New York Times

"Don't run out and sell your home," she said, "because you may have received bad advice".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing academic papers or formal communications, avoid the temptation to use the construction “may of”, which is incorrect, instead keep "may have".

Common error

Avoid using "may have received" when you have concrete evidence. If you know for sure someone received something, use "received" or "has received" instead. "May have received" implies uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may have received" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or speculation about a past event. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, indicating it is suitable for expressing uncertainty about whether someone or something has been the recipient of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may have received" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the possibility of a past event, specifically the act of receiving. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and suitable for expressing uncertainty. Its prevalence in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts highlights its versatility. Remember, it's crucial to avoid using "may have received" when you have definitive proof; instead, opt for "received" or "has received". Using ""may have received"" correctly conveys that something is possible, but not confirmed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might have obtained

Replaces "received" with "obtained", suggesting a more active acquisition.

could have been given

Shifts the focus to the act of giving, implying someone provided something.

possibly got

Uses more informal language, indicating a chance of acquiring something.

might have been the recipient of

More formal and emphasizes the role of the receiver.

may have been granted

Suggests a formal or official process of receiving.

potentially accepted

Implies a choice in taking something that was offered.

perhaps secured

Suggests effort or competition in getting something.

conceivably accessed

Implies having gained entry or the ability to use something.

may have come into possession of

A more formal way of saying someone acquired something, often unexpectedly.

possibly experienced

Shifts the context to having undergone a specific event or sensation.

FAQs

How do I use "may have received" in a sentence?

Use "may have received" to express a possibility or uncertainty about a past action. For example, "He "may have received" the package, but I'm not sure."

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

You can use alternatives like "might have obtained", "could have been given", or "possibly got" depending on the context. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "may of received" instead of "may have received"?

No, "may of received" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""may have received"". "Have" is the auxiliary verb needed to form the perfect tense.

What is the difference between "may have received" and "received"?

"May have received" indicates a possibility or uncertainty, while "received" states a fact. For example, "He may have received the letter" suggests uncertainty, whereas "He received the letter" confirms it.