may possibly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may possibly" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase suggests that something is a possibility, but it is not certain. For example: "I may possibly be able to attend the meeting on Thursday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Juárez may, possibly, be turning a corner.

The Economist

Claire may possibly have nodded.

The New Yorker

"This woman may, possibly, escape," wrote Poe.

The New York Times

I may possibly have painted myself into a corner there.

The Guardian - Opinion

Starscossed may possibly be one of my favourite books.

The Guardian

The diplomacy may, possibly, have started to work.

The Economist

By hiring more veterans, we may possibly quell homelessness.

The New York Times

The glowing coda of "Ravelstein" may possibly be thought of as otherworldly.

The New York Times - Books

Encourage bilateral agreements Copenhagen-style agreements may possibly be fruitful, but could flounder.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this fashion, whatever vengeful local gods were ired by millennial hubris may, possibly, be gratified.

The Guardian

You overhear someone making a derogatory remark that may possibly have been about you.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may possibly" when you want to emphasize the uncertainty of an event or situation. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of its slightly redundant nature.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "may possibly" in close proximity to other expressions of uncertainty. Redundancy can weaken your writing. Opt for a single, clear expression of possibility to maintain impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may possibly" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding a degree of uncertainty to a verb or clause. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically correct way to express possibility. It softens the assertion, suggesting that something is not definite but rather a potential outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may possibly" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express uncertainty, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While somewhat redundant, its purpose is to emphasize the possibility of an event or situation. It is most commonly found in scientific and news media contexts. When writing, consider alternatives to avoid overusing this phrase, and be aware of potential redundancy. While "may possibly" is acceptable, alternatives can often provide a more concise expression of uncertainty. Remember that this phrase is usable across multiple contexts but not necessarily in all. Although it is considered to be valid, you need to evaluate if it's the best choice for that sentence or paragraph.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might possibly

Replaces "may" with "might", indicating a slightly lesser degree of possibility, but maintains the double emphasis on uncertainty.

could possibly

Substitutes "may" with "could", suggesting a potential but not guaranteed outcome, while keeping the emphasis with "possibly".

may perhaps

Replaces "possibly" with "perhaps", offering a more formal synonym for expressing uncertainty.

may conceivably

Substitutes "possibly" with "conceivably", implying that something is within the realm of possibility, though not necessarily likely.

may potentially

Replaces "possibly" with "potentially", focusing on the inherent possibility that something can happen or become true.

might potentially

Combines "might" and "potentially" for a double emphasis on possibility and the inherent capacity for something to occur.

could potentially

Combines "could" and "potentially" to express a conditional possibility, suggesting that something might happen under certain circumstances.

may be able to

Replaces "possibly" with "be able to", focusing on the ability to perform an action rather than the pure chance of something happening.

it is possible that

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal construction expressing possibility.

it is conceivable that

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal construction emphasizing that something is imaginable or believable.

FAQs

How can I use "may possibly" in a sentence?

Use "may possibly" to indicate a potential but uncertain outcome. For example: "She may possibly attend the conference if her schedule allows."

What are some alternatives to "may possibly"?

You can use alternatives like "might possibly", "could possibly", or "may perhaps" to express a similar level of uncertainty.

Is "may possibly" redundant?

Yes, "may possibly" can be considered somewhat redundant as both words convey a sense of possibility. However, its use can emphasize uncertainty. Consider using alternatives like "may" or "possibly" for conciseness.

Which is more formal, "may possibly" or "it is possible that"?

"It is possible that" is generally considered more formal than "may possibly". You can also use alternatives like "it is conceivable that" for a similar effect.