may not abate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may not abate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something might not decrease or lessen in intensity or severity. Example: "Despite the challenges, the enthusiasm for the project may not abate as we move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The violence may not abate.

The Economist

Malcolm Turnbull has denied directly interfering in an internal disciplinary matter, but the stench around this may not abate for some time.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 2003, you allowed, "Bush advisers suspect the violence may not abate in Iraq until early next year," and posed the interesting question of whether "Americans can sustain their morale over that time".

The New York Times

That trend may not abate if current marketing practices keep up; according to the heart association paper, youth exposure to e-cigarette ads shot up more than 250% from 2011 to 2013.

Los Angeles Times

In a general election showdown between Trump and Clinton, the very real danger to the Democrats is that the enthusiasm and the anger at the party establishments, and the thirst for change, that Trump seemingly whipped up in the Ohio and Florida primaries may not abate in November.

Huffington Post

In combination, the scenarios developed here strongly suggest that the trend of rising drug expenditures for ADHD may not abate in the near future.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The situation is unstable, and it may not quickly abate.

The New Yorker

The public's interest in reducing gun violence may not have abated, but some of the lawmakers seem to be trotting backward.

The New York Times

Concerns over the Greek economy may not have abated but in the corridors of power, and most noticeably in Brussels, the climate has changed.

The Guardian - Business

Crime did not abate.

The New York Times

The storm did not abate.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may not abate" when you want to convey uncertainty about whether something will decrease or lessen. For example, "The controversy may not abate despite efforts to address concerns."

Common error

While "may not abate" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise or direct language might be preferable. Consider alternatives like "might not decrease" or "could remain unchanged".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may not abate" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or uncertainty that something will not diminish or lessen. This can relate to intensity, severity, or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, indicating its role in nuanced expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may not abate" is a modal verb phrase used to express the uncertainty that something will lessen or decrease. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, pointing to its usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific writing. While grammatically sound, it's advisable to use it thoughtfully, especially in formal contexts where more direct language might enhance clarity. Alternatives like "might not decrease" or "may not diminish" offer similar semantic value. Keep in mind that using "may" instead of "will" drastically softens the expression, signaling possibility rather than certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might not subside

Replaces "abate" with "subside", implying a decrease in intensity, maintains the sense of uncertainty.

might not decrease

Substitutes "abate" with the more straightforward term "decrease", keeps the same level of formality.

may not diminish

Replaces "abate" with "diminish", indicating a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

could fail to lessen

Uses "fail to lessen" instead of "not abate", adding a sense of ineffectiveness or inability to decrease.

may not alleviate

Substitutes "abate" with "alleviate", suggesting a reduction in pain or suffering.

might not let up

Uses the phrasal verb "let up" in place of "abate", indicating a decrease in effort or intensity.

could remain constant

Expresses the idea that something might stay the same rather than decrease.

might persist unchanged

Indicates that something could continue without any alteration.

may hold steady

Suggests a stability in the absence of decrease, commonly used in economic or statistical contexts.

could plateau

Implies that something might reach a stable level and not decline further.

FAQs

How can I use "may not abate" in a sentence?

Use "may not abate" to express uncertainty about something lessening or decreasing in intensity. For example: "The public's anger may not abate despite the politician's apology."

What can I say instead of "may not abate"?

You can use alternatives like "might not subside", "might not decrease", or "may not diminish" depending on the context.

Is "may not abate" formal or informal?

"May not abate" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, phrases like "might not let up" could be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "may not abate" and "will not abate"?

"May not abate" expresses uncertainty about a decrease, while "will not abate" suggests a stronger prediction that something definitely won't decrease.