may otherwise be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may otherwise be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something could be in a different state or condition under certain circumstances. Example: "The terms of the agreement may otherwise be subject to change based on new regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such information may otherwise be scattered over the vast literature on this topic.

Journal of Computational Physics

Drake thinks the service offers access to foods that may otherwise be unavailable.

The Guardian - Business

But however good a pub may otherwise be, it stands or falls by the landlord.

The New York Times - Magazine

as may otherwise be provided in such regulations as are consistent with this title.

Cornell University

Their sediments are a particularly valuable source of paleoenvironmental information in semiarid regions where perennial lakes may otherwise be scarce.

Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta

It forces its audience to contend with truths that may otherwise be buried in the perfunctory rhythm of everyday life.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, many American expats, homesick as they may otherwise be, dread ever going back to American-style short vacations.

The New York Times

But however excellent their theories may otherwise be, anyhow they cannot be held to speak as students of nature.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The process behavior predicted by CAE can help novice engineers overcome the lack of previous experience and assist experienced engineers in that may otherwise be overlooked.

Reference Module in Materials Science and Materials Engineering

The studies related to those applications may provide valuable information for the solar receiver design, which may otherwise be ignored by a solar system designer.

Solar Energy

A visual interface aids selection of appropriate outlier rejection and drift-correction parameters, thereby facilitating recognition of subtle elemental fluctuations which may otherwise be obscured.

Applied Geochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the conditions under which the alternative scenario might arise.

Common error

Avoid using "may otherwise be" in sentences where a simpler alternative exists. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. Sometimes a more direct construction is preferable for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may otherwise be" functions as a modal qualifier, indicating a possibility or alternative that exists under different circumstances. It introduces a conditional aspect, suggesting that the stated condition is not the only potential outcome. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may otherwise be" is a versatile phrase used to express alternative possibilities and conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, especially in news, scientific, and academic writing. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal contexts. The phrase functions as a modal qualifier, introducing nuance and contingency to statements. To write well with the phrase, remember that it's a great way to communicate possibility but don't overuse it. Also, remember to check your writing and be sure that it would be better to communicate using simpler phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could alternatively be

Emphasizes the alternative nature of the possibility more strongly.

might instead be

Highlights a substitution or replacement of one option with another.

could in other circumstances be

Specifies the conditional aspect with added detail.

may in different conditions be

Focuses on how varying conditions affect the outcome.

can alternatively exist as

Suggests an alternate state of existence or manifestation.

may instead occur as

Emphasizes the alternate occurrence of an event or situation.

might conceivably be

Introduces an element of possibility and imagination.

can hypothetically be

Focuses on theoretical or hypothetical scenarios.

may exceptionally be

Highlights the rarity or unusual nature of the alternative.

might on occasion be

Indicates an infrequent or occasional alternative.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "may otherwise be" to simplify my writing?

Consider alternatives such as "could be", "might be", or "alternatively could be" for a more concise phrasing, depending on the context. You can also use a more direct statement of the alternative.

What is the difference between "may otherwise be" and "might otherwise be"?

Both phrases express similar meanings, indicating an alternative possibility. "May" suggests a slightly higher degree of possibility than "might", though the difference is often negligible in common usage.

Is it appropriate to use "may otherwise be" in formal writing?

Yes, "may otherwise be" is appropriate for formal writing. It's grammatically correct and conveys a nuanced meaning that can be useful in academic, business, or legal contexts.

What are some common contexts where "may otherwise be" is used?

"May otherwise be" is frequently used to describe alternative outcomes, conditions, or states in areas like scientific research, legal agreements, and news reporting. The phrase provides a way to discuss what "could happen" under different circumstances.