may keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may keep" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express permission or possibility regarding retaining something. Example: "You may keep the book if you finish it." Alternative expressions include "might retain" and "can hold on to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Housing may keep on chugging.

The New York Times

It may keep you up.

The New York Times - Books

The shares may keep soaring.

The New York Times

Arledge may keep his title as chairman.

The New Yorker

And the numbers may keep climbing.

The New York Times

This may keep France from disaster.

The Economist

Staying home may keep them healthier, though.

The New York Times - Food

"Now it may keep us in business".

The New York Times

All others may keep their (RED) gowns.

Columbia University

Then the donee may keep the ring".

The New York Times

"You may keep the tools," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may keep", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are expressing a possibility or granting permission. This avoids ambiguity and ensures effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "may keep" when a higher degree of certainty is warranted. Phrases like "will keep" or "is likely to keep" are more appropriate when the outcome is more predictable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may keep" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or permission. The modal verb "may" modifies the verb "keep", indicating that an action or state is potentially ongoing or allowed. This is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, where "may keep" is used in various contexts to suggest likelihood or authorization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may keep" is a versatile expression signifying either possibility or permission, as confirmed by Ludwig's extensive collection of examples. Grammatically sound and commonly used, it appears most frequently in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure the context clarifies whether you're expressing a chance event or granting authorization. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and usable status in written English. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "might retain" or "is likely to keep" based on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might retain

Replaces "may" with "might", indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

could maintain

Substitutes "may" with "could", also suggesting possibility, and "keep" with "maintain", implying a sustained effort.

can preserve

Uses "can" to show possibility with the verb "preserve", emphasizing conservation.

is able to hold

Employs "is able to" to denote capability, and "hold" as a synonym for "keep".

has the potential to retain

Highlights the inherent possibility using "has the potential to", adding emphasis to the likelihood of retaining.

is likely to keep

Indicates probability using "is likely to", suggesting a higher degree of certainty than "may".

possibly sustain

Combines "possibly" with "sustain" to convey the chance of maintaining something over time.

might continue to possess

Replaces both "may" and "keep" with phrases that elaborate on the possibility and act of retaining.

can continue holding

Uses "can continue holding" to show the ability to keep something in the future.

is permitted to keep

Emphasizes permission using "is permitted to", adding a layer of authorization to the act of keeping.

FAQs

How to use "may keep" in a sentence?

"May keep" indicates a possibility or permission. For example, "The rain may keep us inside" suggests a possible outcome, while "You may keep the book" grants permission.

What can I say instead of "may keep"?

You can use alternatives like "might retain", "could maintain", or "is likely to keep" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "may keep" or "might keep"?

Both "may keep" and "might keep" are grammatically correct and express possibility. "May" suggests a slightly higher probability compared to "might", but they are often interchangeable.

What's the difference between "may keep" and "will keep"?

"May keep" expresses uncertainty or permission, while "will keep" indicates a definite future action. Use "may keep" when the outcome is not certain, and "will keep" when it is guaranteed.