may not hold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may not hold" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to convey doubt or uncertainty about the validity or truth of something. Example: "The evidence presented in court may not hold up in a trial, as it is circumstantial at best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His luck may not hold.

The Economist

Prior relationships may not hold.

Independent

The trend may not hold.

The Washington Post

That may not hold, though.

The Washington Post

But that logic may not hold.

The New York Times

These assumptions may not hold over time.

The New York Times

But the parallel may not hold up.

The New York Times - Sports

But it may not hold that designation for long.

The New York Times

This strategy may not hold for much longer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Populists, socialists, nationalists, secessionists: The center may not hold.

The Washington Post

The glue may not hold 150 pounds anymore.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may not hold" when you want to express uncertainty about the future validity or continuation of a trend, assumption, or condition. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is at risk of not holding.

Common error

Avoid using "may not hold" in situations where the uncertainty is already obvious or when a stronger, more definitive statement is appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound hesitant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may not hold" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a degree of uncertainty or possibility. It indicates that a particular condition, assumption, or trend might not continue to be valid or true in the future. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may not hold" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express uncertainty about the future validity or continuation of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific publications, and has a neutral tone making it useful in several contexts. When using "may not hold", be mindful of the context and whether a more definitive statement is more appropriate. Consider related alternatives like "might not continue" or "is unlikely to last" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is potentially invalid

Highlights the possibility of something being untrue.

might not remain true

Emphasizes the potential change in truthfulness over time.

may not endure

Focuses on the lack of long-term durability.

might not continue

Focuses on the aspect of continuation rather than validity.

is not guaranteed to last

Emphasizes the absence of any certainty regarding duration.

is unlikely to last

Expresses a low expectation of longevity.

might fail to persist

Highlights the possibility of something not lasting.

is questionable in the long run

Expresses uncertainty about the future viability of something.

is subject to change

Indicates that the current state is not fixed and can vary.

could prove unsustainable

Suggests the potential for something to be unable to be maintained.

FAQs

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

You can use "may not hold" to express uncertainty about a future outcome or the continued validity of something. For example, "This assumption "may not hold" true in the long term".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "may not hold"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might not continue", "might fail to persist", or "is unlikely to last", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "might not hold" instead of "may not hold"?

Yes, "might not hold" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning to ""may not hold"". Both express a degree of possibility or uncertainty.

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

"May not hold" suggests uncertainty or possibility that something will not remain true or valid, while "will not hold" indicates a higher degree of certainty that something will fail or become invalid. "May not hold" implies a chance, while "will not hold" suggests a prediction.