may presumably be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may presumably be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a possibility or assumption about something that is not certain. Example: "The results of the experiment may presumably be affected by external factors that were not controlled."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Such variation in similarity may presumably be attributed to differences in source.

Chemistry Central Journal

The data indicate that apparently the cereal/fodder-crop-based intercropping system resulted in a high qCO2 which may presumably be due to a high C input at the disposal of microorganism and that higher microbial activity is maintained at high C expense (Chand et al. 2004).

International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

Clare and Henry marry, but Clare has trouble bringing a pregnancy to term because of the genetic anomaly Henry may presumably be passing on to the fetus.

Wikipedia

The discrepancy to previously published studies, showing anti-inflammatory effects of VSL#3 in the cecum and colon [15], may presumably be due to differences in the composition of the intestinal microbiota of the IL-10−/− mice in different animal facilities or the time point of intervention.

Plosone

These sequences may presumably be located in gaps in the elephant assembly.

Genome Biology and Evolution

The delay in the decrease of malaria incidence in Makokou may presumably be a consequence of the late implementation of key health interventions.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

At more than 80 miles long and from 2 to 40 miles wide, Manitoulin Island is often billed as the world's largest freshwater island, though there is apparently a larger island in the Amazon River delta (which may at times, presumably, be brackish, but we're splitting hairs).

The New York Times - Travel

If the plan is a success, however that may be measured, it will presumably be spread to some or all of the 22 other subway lines.

The New York Times

These traits may represent vulnerability markers and could presumably be used to identify individuals at high risk for developing bipolar spectrum disorders, or specific clinical subtypes (e.g., bipolar I, bipolar II) within this spectrum.

Journal of Affective Disorders

Gambling would presumably be out.

Los Angeles Times

However a long-running joke their (non- presence at the festival may seem, manon- presencematly weren'theaughing when that year's headliners, Phoenix teased "a festivalrises" for the night, only to bring out R. Kelly.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may presumably be", ensure that the context provides some basis for the assumption being made. The phrase suggests a logical inference, so the supporting information should be clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "may presumably be" when you have strong evidence for a claim. The phrase implies uncertainty, so it's not appropriate when you can make a more definitive statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may presumably be" functions as a modal adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause to express a degree of possibility or likelihood, with the added connotation of a presumption or inference being made. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in academic and scientific contexts to suggest potential explanations or relationships.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may presumably be" is a grammatically sound modal adverbial phrase used to express a tentative assertion based on a reasoned assumption. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is correct, though not the most common choice. Its usage is most prevalent in scientific and academic writing, where cautious and precise language is valued. While effective, writers should ensure the context justifies the assumption and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. The phrase adds a layer of formality and nuance, making it suitable for contexts where expressing uncertainty is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might reasonably be expected

Similar in conveying an expectation grounded in reason; 'might' softens the presumption.

may reasonably be inferred

Focuses on the act of inferring, suggesting a logical deduction is possible.

can likely be assumed

Replaces "presumably" with "likely" and "may" with "can", indicating a stronger possibility.

might plausibly be considered

Uses 'plausibly' to emphasize the believability of the assumption.

could logically be deduced

Highlights the logical aspect of the deduction; 'could' indicates a potential outcome.

may well be speculated

Introduces a degree of uncertainty and indicates a hypothetical consideration.

might arguably be

Emphasizes that the statement is open to debate, making the assertion less definitive.

can potentially be

Uses "potentially" to suggest the assumption is possible but not definite.

might conceivably be

Indicates that the assumption is within the realm of possibility, though perhaps unlikely.

may hypothetically be

Frames the phrase as a hypothetical situation, reducing its asserted certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "may presumably be" in a sentence?

Use "may presumably be" to express a possibility that you are assuming based on available information. For example, "The delay in the decrease of malaria incidence may presumably be a consequence of the late implementation of key health interventions".

What phrases are similar to "may presumably be"?

Similar phrases include "might reasonably be expected", "can likely be assumed", or "might arguably be". Each carries a slightly different nuance of possibility and assumption.

Is it redundant to use "may presumably be"?

While both "may" and "presumably" indicate uncertainty, using them together can emphasize the element of assumption. However, consider whether a simpler phrase like "may be" or "is presumably" would suffice for clearer communication.

What's the difference between "may presumably be" and "may possibly be"?

"May presumably be" suggests an inference based on some evidence, whereas "may possibly be" simply indicates a possibility without implying a specific reason or assumption.