may not be true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may not be true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or doubt about the validity of a statement or claim. Example: "The information provided in the article may not be true, so it's important to verify the facts before drawing conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That may not be true much longer.

The Economist

This may or may not be true.

The Economist

Actually, that may not be true.

The New York Times

That may not be true anymore.

The New York Times - Arts

— and it may not be true.

The New York Times - Books

This may not be true.

The Guardian - Tech

This may not be true any longer.

The Guardian - Opinion

That may not be true everywhere.

The New York Times

But this may not be true.

The Guardian

Again, this may not be true.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some of them may not be true.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may not be true" when you want to express uncertainty or doubt about a statement, without directly contradicting it. It allows for the possibility of truth while acknowledging potential inaccuracies.

Common error

Avoid using "may not be true" excessively, as it can weaken your argument and make you sound indecisive. Balance uncertainty with clear statements and supporting evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may not be true" functions as a modal hedge, indicating a degree of uncertainty or possibility regarding the truthfulness of a statement. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. It serves to soften a potential disagreement or to express doubt without directly contradicting a claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may not be true" is a versatile expression used to convey uncertainty or doubt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. With a neutral tone, it's suitable for a range of contexts from news reporting and scientific discussions to general writing and wiki. The usage analysis reveals its frequent presence in news and media, and scientific publications. While "may not be true" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it to maintain clarity and decisiveness in your writing. Remember to use it strategically to express measured skepticism. Alternatives such as "might be false" or "could be inaccurate" offer similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be incorrect

States a possibility of being wrong or containing errors.

possibly false

Expresses a possibility of something not being true.

might be false

Suggests a possibility of being incorrect or untrue.

not necessarily true

Indicates that something is not always or definitely true.

could be inaccurate

Implies a potential lack of precision or correctness.

potentially untrue

Highlights the possibility of something being false.

might not be the case

Indicates uncertainty about whether something is actually happening or true.

not always the truth

Suggests that something may sometimes be false or misleading.

not verified

Suggests that the information has not been confirmed for accuracy.

unsubstantiated

The information lacks evidence or support to confirm its accuracy.

FAQs

What's a less direct way to express disbelief than saying something is false?

You can use phrases like "may not be true", "might be inaccurate", or "could be incorrect" to express doubt without directly contradicting the statement.

How can I use "may not be true" in a sentence?

Use "may not be true" to express that something is possibly false or inaccurate. For example: "The claim that all cats hate water may not be true, as some cats enjoy swimming."

Which is correct: "may not be true" or "might not be true"?

Both "may not be true" and "might not be true" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning of uncertainty. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "may not be true" and "is not true"?

"May not be true" implies a possibility of falsehood, while "is not true" is a direct statement of falsity. The first expresses doubt, the second asserts a fact.