may however

USAGE SUMMARY

'may however' is an acceptable and often used phrase in written English.
It is used to introduce a contrasting idea following a previous statement. For example, "The forecast calls for rain tomorrow; it may however be sunny in the afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It may, however, feel provoked.

The Economist

Euroscepticism may, however, have peaked.

The Economist

It may, however, have met its match.

The Economist

It may, however, come far sooner.

The Economist

They may, however, be mostly window-dressing.

The New York Times - Sports

Improvement may, however, be in the air.

The Economist

Intermediate levels may, however, be skipped.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The taboo may, however, be slipping.

The Economist

"This may, however, be a bit unfair.

Independent

There may, however, be a better way.

The Economist

The phenomenon may, however, be short-lived.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may however" to introduce a contrasting point or a concession after making an initial statement. This helps to create a balanced and nuanced argument.

Common error

Avoid using "may however" repeatedly within a short span of text. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

"May however" serves as a conjunction phrase, connecting two clauses and indicating a contrast or qualification. It's used to introduce a statement that opposes or modifies the previous one. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in introducing contrasting information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may however" is a conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrast or qualification. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media, scientific writing, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's best suited for formal contexts where a nuanced contrast is desired. Be mindful of overuse, and consider alternatives like "nevertheless" or "nonetheless" to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may nevertheless

Emphasizes the contrast despite a previous statement.

may nonetheless

Similar to "may nevertheless", highlighting a concession.

may still

Indicates that something is possible despite an opposing factor.

may yet

Suggests a future possibility despite current circumstances.

might however

Uses "might" instead of "may", indicating a slightly lower probability.

could however

Uses "could" instead of "may", suggesting possibility or potential.

may on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting alternative or perspective.

may even so

Indicates that something remains true despite what has been said.

may in spite of that

Highlights a situation that exists despite a preceding factor.

may be that said

Introduces a caveat or alternative perspective with respect to what was stated.

FAQs

How can I use "may however" in a sentence?

"May however" is used to introduce a contrasting idea or a qualification to a previous statement. For example: "The initial plan seemed promising; it "may however" require adjustments after further review."

What are some alternatives to "may however"?

You can use alternatives such as "nevertheless", "nonetheless", or "still" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "may however" and "but"?

While both introduce contrast, "may however" is more formal and often used to introduce a more nuanced or qualified contrast than "but". "But" is more direct and can be used in a wider range of contexts. See also "might however".

In which contexts is "may however" most appropriate?

"May however" is suitable in formal writing, academic papers, and professional communications where a nuanced contrast or concession is needed. It may be less appropriate in informal or casual contexts. Consider "could however" as another alternative.