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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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may not alone

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"may not alone" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to express that something cannot be achieved or accomplished by itself without additional support or effort. Example: While determination is important, it may not alone lead to success. One also needs a plan and a support system.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Nonetheless, selective binding of individual receptor subunits may not alone explain the differential activities of closely related BMPs.

Science

Plosone

While low glucose itself appears to be necessary for this phenomenon, it may not alone be sufficient, and other macro-nutrients (in particular phosphate or nitrogen) may play a role in enabling cycling [12].

Science

Plosone

Therefore, removal of a single specific repressive mark may not alone be sufficient for reversal of gene silencing.

This would be consistent with the possibility that delayed phagosome degradation due to loss of Rep1 or CLN3 may not alone cause retinal degeneration, but could compromise RPE function sufficiently to increase the susceptibility of the neural retina to cell autonomous defects.

While the hippocampus reflected subsequent memory, its overall activity levels showed increased activity in the No-Go conditions (see above for effect of inaction), suggesting that the hippocampal activity may not alone account for the observed behavioral memory performance differences across conditions.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

She may not be alone.

News & Media

The New York Times

But the company may not be alone.

News & Media

The New York Times

He may not be alone inside Goldman.

News & Media

The New York Times

And it may not be alone.

These works, though, may not be alone in courting scandal.

When it comes to character, humans may not be alone.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may not alone", ensure that you clearly articulate what other factors are necessary for the desired outcome. This provides a comprehensive understanding to the reader.

Common error

Avoid implying that something is completely useless just because it "may not alone" achieve a goal. Acknowledge its partial contribution while highlighting the need for additional elements.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may not alone" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular element or factor, while necessary, is insufficient on its own to achieve a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may not alone" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey that a single element is insufficient to produce a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, its use is prevalent in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to clearly specify the additional factors required to achieve the intended goal. While relatively infrequent overall, understanding its function and purpose can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing. Remember to consider the surrounding context to ensure the most appropriate alternative is used.

FAQs

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

Use "may not alone" to indicate that something is necessary but insufficient on its own. For example, "Effort "alone may not" guarantee success; you also need a good strategy".

What are some alternatives to "may not alone"?

Alternatives include "may not solely", "may not exclusively", or "may not independently", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "alone may not" instead of "may not alone"?

While grammatically understandable, "alone may not" is less common and can sound awkward. "May not alone" is generally preferred for clarity and flow, especially in formal writing.

What is the difference between "may not alone" and "may not only"?

"May not alone" emphasizes insufficiency, while "may not only" suggests that something has additional aspects or functions beyond the one being discussed. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting a lack of self-sufficiency or the presence of multiple attributes.

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Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: