may it be

USAGE SUMMARY

'may it be' is a correct phrase that is often used in written, as well as spoken, English.
It expresses a wish or hope, most often for the future. For example: May it be that we can one day live in a world where everyone is treated with respect and kindness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

May it be in peace; may it be with our moral support.

Huffington Post

Or may it be oral?

Cornell University

Long may it be so.

The Guardian - Opinion

What uses may it be put to?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

By the grace of God, may it be so.

Harvard University

To soup: "May it be seen and not heard".

The New York Times - Magazine

So, along with much else, may it be.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mays: It is.

The Washington Post

It may be worth it.

The New York Times

It may be stiffness.

The New York Times

It may be crude.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may it be" to express a sincere wish or hope, especially in formal or reflective writing. It adds a touch of elegance and solemnity to your prose.

Common error

Avoid using "may it be" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in such settings. Opt for simpler expressions of hope or desire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may it be" functions primarily as an optative expression, conveying a wish, hope, or prayer. It's used to express a desire for a particular outcome or state of affairs. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a phrase commonly used in written and spoken English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may it be" is a versatile expression used to convey hope, a wish, or a prayer. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and common in both written and spoken English.

Linguistic analysis reveals that its primary function is to express a desire for a particular outcome, often adding a touch of formality. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media" and academic contexts.

While "may it be" is generally appropriate for formal and neutral settings, it's advisable to avoid overuse in informal contexts where it may sound stilted. Alternatives such as "I hope it is" or "let it be so" can provide more casual options for expressing similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hope it is

Replaces the modal verb 'may' with a more direct expression of hope.

let it be so

Expresses acceptance or agreement with a desired outcome.

hopefully it will be

Uses 'hopefully' to indicate a positive expectation.

I wish it were

Expresses a wish for something to be true, often in a hypothetical or unreal situation.

if only it could be

Conveys a stronger sense of longing or regret.

it is to be hoped

A more formal way of expressing hope or expectation.

so be it

Indicates acceptance of a situation, often with a sense of resignation.

I desire it to be

A more emphatic and personal expression of desire.

may this come to pass

Specifically refers to a future event or situation.

would that it were

An archaic or literary way of expressing a wish.

FAQs

How can I use "may it be" in a sentence?

Use "may it be" to express a wish or hope for a certain outcome. For example, "May it be a year of peace and prosperity."

What's a more informal way to say "may it be"?

In informal contexts, you can use phrases like "I hope it is" or "let's hope so" instead of "may it be".

Is "may it be" always appropriate in formal writing?

While generally suitable for formal writing, consider the specific tone and audience. Overuse might make your writing sound overly ceremonial. Alternatives like "it is to be hoped" or "I hope it is" may be more fitting in certain situations.

What's the difference between "may it be" and "let it be"?

"May it be" expresses a wish or hope for something to happen, whereas "let it be" implies acceptance or resignation to a situation, often suggesting a lack of control over the outcome. "Let it be so" can sometimes express acceptance of a desired outcome.