may have weighed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may have weighed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of something having a certain weight in the past. Example: "The evidence suggests that the ancient artifact may have weighed significantly more than previously thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Late in his career, he may have weighed as much as 225.

The New York Times - Sports

She may have weighed only 36 pounds — the same as a healthy child half her age.

The New York Times

Recent news about corporate accountability problems, which have contributed to declines in stocks, may have weighed on confidence this month.

The New York Times

This hardly usable product, known as a bloom, may have weighed up to 10 lbs (5 kg).

Encyclopedia Britannica

They say the potential price of inaction in Libya and Ivory Coast may have weighed on Mr. Sarkozy.

The New York Times

Amaro attributed those struggles more to mechanical issues than the injury, but he conceded that the chronic soreness may have weighed on Utley mentally.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The fact that Midnight in Paris is his biggest box-office success to date may or may not have weighed in the balance with Academy voters – but it has turned out to be a feelgood audience movie, in a way no one predicted.

The Guardian - Film

Other factors may also have weighed on Mr. Ayers.

The New York Times

Those behind the find say the star, called R136a1, may once have weighed as much as 320 solar masses.

The New York Times - Science

That, and the fact that there are several Republican legislators whose positions are vulnerable, may also have weighed in the governor's calculation.

The New York Times

China, the company's fastest-growing market, may also have weighed on first-quarter results, as a slowdown in the country's economy forced consumers to tighten their purse strings.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may have weighed" to express uncertainty or speculation about a past weight or influence. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're discussing physical weight or a more abstract impact.

Common error

Avoid using "may have weighed" when you intend to state a definitive fact. This phrase is best suited for expressing possibility, not certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may have weighed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or speculation about a past action or state. It suggests that something might have had a certain weight or influence, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may have weighed" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty or speculation about a past weight, influence, or impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When writing, it's crucial to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended degree of certainty. Opt for alternatives like "might have weighed" or "could have influenced" to fine-tune the meaning. However, avoid using it in assertive statements that require a definitive tone, or to sound formal it where another synonym can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might have weighed

Indicates a similar degree of possibility regarding the weight or influence.

could have weighed

Expresses a potential alternative regarding the weight or impact.

might have impacted

Shifts the focus to the impact or influence something may have had.

could have affected

Similar to 'might have impacted' but emphasizes the effect.

may have influenced

Highlights the potential influence something might have exerted.

might have affected

Indicates the possibility of an effect or change.

could have swayed

Suggests a potential influence that might have changed an opinion or decision.

possibly influenced

Expresses a possibility of influence without the past perfect tense.

potentially affected

Indicates a potential impact or change.

conceivably impacted

Suggests a degree of possibility regarding the impact, often implying it's not immediately obvious.

FAQs

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

Use "may have weighed" to express a possibility or speculation about the weight, influence, or impact something had in the past. For example, "The athlete's disability and sense of vulnerability "may have weighed" in the judge's mind as an explanation for his panicked response."

What are some alternatives to "may have weighed"?

Alternatives include "might have weighed", "could have weighed", or "may have influenced" depending on the context.

Is "may have weighed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "may have weighed" is grammatically correct. It's used to express a possibility or speculation about something in the past.

What's the difference between "may have weighed" and "weighed"?

"Weighed" indicates a definite action of weighing, while "may have weighed" suggests a possibility or speculation about something having a certain weight or influence. The former is certain, the latter is speculative.