may not receive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may not receive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is a possibility of not receiving something, often in formal or legal contexts. Example: "Participants in the study may not receive compensation for their time if they do not meet the eligibility criteria."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Troops may not receive paychecks".

The New York Times

If Setanta goes into administration, it may not receive it.

The Guardian

Under Spanish law, government ministers may not receive any other income apart from their government salary.

The Guardian

Still, many other sites may not receive money that regional officials have requested.

The New York Times

AT&T shares dropped on Monday over concerns the deal may not receive regulatory approval.

The Guardian

And if they cannot afford it, they may not receive treatment at all.

The New York Times

Even then, the sport may not receive much television time, she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"That means millions of seniors may not receive their Social Security checks in the mail.

The New York Times

Though some were fearful that they may not receive enough money to afford a similar home elsewhere.

The Guardian - Sport

But while a state pension can be paid outside the EU/EEA area, you may not receive these increases.

The Guardian - Money

The Indonesians are known for their sambals, or hot sauces, but unless you ask you may not receive any.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and formality of your writing. "May not receive" is suitable for formal contexts. In less formal situations, consider alternatives like "might not get".

Common error

Avoid using "may not receive" in very casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for simpler phrases like "might not get" or "won't receive" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may not receive" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or contingency. It indicates that there is a chance or condition under which something will not be obtained. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase appears in various contexts, suggesting its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may not receive" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of not obtaining something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While generally appropriate for neutral to formal registers, simpler alternatives like "might not get" might be more suitable for casual conversations. Understanding its nuances and potential alternatives allows for more precise and effective communication. Remember to use this phrase to indicate clearly the conditions under which receipt is not guaranteed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might not get

Uses a more informal verb "get" instead of "receive", implying a slightly lower level of formality.

might not obtain

Replaces "receive" with "obtain", maintaining a similar level of formality but with a slightly different nuance.

may not be given

Replaces receive with given implying the same level of formality and has a slightly different nuance.

might fail to receive

Emphasizes the potential failure in the act of receiving.

could be denied

Shifts the focus to the action of being refused something, rather than the act of receiving.

might not be granted

Suggests a formal process where something could be denied.

are not guaranteed to receive

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of assurance in receiving something.

might be ineligible for

Specifically indicates a lack of qualification for something.

may be excluded from

Suggests a deliberate exclusion from receiving something.

may be lacking

Focuses on the state of deficiency rather than the act of receiving.

FAQs

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

Use "may not receive" to indicate a possibility of not getting something. For example, "Participants who do not meet the criteria "may not receive" compensation."

What are some alternatives to "may not receive"?

You can use alternatives like "might not get", "could be denied", or "are not guaranteed to receive" depending on the context.

Is "may not receive" formal or informal?

"May not receive" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, using something like "might not get" may be more appropriate.

What does "may not receive" imply?

"May not receive" implies a possibility that something will not be obtained or given. It suggests a condition or circumstance that prevents a guarantee of receipt.