may not succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may not succeed" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express uncertainty or possibility in regards to someone or something successfully achieving a goal or outcome. Example: Despite our best efforts, our team may not succeed in winning the championship this year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They may not succeed.

The Economist

I may not succeed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, Trudeau may not succeed.

Independent

But that may not succeed.

The New York Times

Middleton and Marco may not succeed.

The Guardian - Tech

Even then, bridge enthusiasts may not succeed.

The New York Times

This effort may not succeed, but the socks are charming.

The New Yorker

Without better help from Pakistan, it may not succeed.

The Economist

"You may not succeed in changing perceptions," she said.

The New York Times

What worked the last time may not succeed today, he said.

The New York Times - Food

I may not succeed at this, but I'm good at it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may not succeed" to convey a sense of possibility rather than certainty about a negative outcome. This implies that success is still within the realm of possibility, however slim.

Common error

While "may not succeed" is acceptable in many situations, overuse in formal or academic writing can make your tone seem weak. Opt for stronger, more precise language to convey your meaning with greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may not succeed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or likelihood of failure. It combines the modal verb 'may' with the negative 'not' and the verb 'succeed' to indicate that an action or endeavor is not guaranteed to be successful. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may not succeed" is a versatile expression used to indicate a possibility of failure. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and commonly used in English writing. Analysis of example sentences reveals its frequent appearance in News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral register. While grammatically sound, consider using stronger language in formal contexts to enhance clarity. Remember that "may not succeed" conveys uncertainty, differentiating it from the certainty implied by "will not succeed". When writing, use "may not succeed" to manage expectations, introduce caution, or acknowledge potential setbacks. Examples include discussing the potential failure of a political initiative or the uncertainty of a scientific experiment. Related phrases, such as "might not work" or "could fail", offer alternative ways to express similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might not work

Emphasizes the possibility of failure or ineffectiveness.

could fail

Highlights the potential for an unsuccessful result.

may prove unsuccessful

More formal, stressing the likelihood of not achieving the intended goal.

might be in vain

Indicates the effort expended may be unproductive.

may fall short

Suggests failing to reach a required standard or goal.

may come to naught

Emphasizes the potential for a complete lack of positive outcome.

may not pan out

Informal, signifying the possibility of not developing as expected.

might not materialize

Focuses on the chance of an event or plan not becoming reality.

may be doomed to failure

Suggests a strong likelihood of failing, often due to inherent flaws or circumstances.

risk failing

Focuses on the possibility of not achieving a good result.

FAQs

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

You can use "may not succeed" to express uncertainty about the outcome of an action or effort. For example, "Despite our best efforts, we "may not succeed" in reaching our goals this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "may not succeed"?

Alternatives include "might fail", "could be unsuccessful", or "may prove fruitless", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "may not succeed" and "will not succeed"?

"May not succeed" indicates a possibility of failure, while "will not succeed" implies a certainty of failure. The former suggests that there is still some chance of success, however small.

Is "may not succeed" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "may not succeed" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but it's important to consider the specific context. In some cases, more direct language might be preferable to avoid sounding uncertain. Consider alternatives like "risks failure" or "faces challenges" depending on the specific context.