may prove disastrous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may prove disastrous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to result in serious negative consequences. Example: "If we do not address the issue promptly, it may prove disastrous for the entire project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This may prove disastrous.

The Economist

Not all will go well; some may prove disastrous.

The Economist

What works for one pet may prove disastrous for another: different pets, different temperaments and different owners.

The New York Times

Mr. Leonardis said any delay may prove disastrous, but Mr. Littleton said his group is committed to saving the gardens.

The New York Times - Arts

So a strategy that might work in 2012 may prove disastrous thereafter.Update: I think commenter Bluecrab makes a very good point.

The Economist

Company bosses who fail to notice this may underestimate political risks or ignore cultural differences, and such errors may prove disastrous.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Brendon McCullum's curious decision not to enforce the follow-on may or may not prove disastrous, but it has at least made the last 12 hours or so interesting as we look ahead to today's play.

The Guardian - Sport

An ineffective chief executive may well prove disastrous as a chairman—always defending his legacy and stopping his successor changing direction.Mr Fourtou certainly did well as chief executive of Vivendi.

The Economist

Furthermore, discouraging premastication as prevention to disease transmittion may prove as disastrous an infant public health policy as when infants breastfeeding was discouraged in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Wikipedia

Believing some emerging technology (say, 3D printing) is about to transform their industry, they may make aggressive investments that will prove disastrous if the technology's impact turns out to be less than anticipated.

The Economist

The investigation found a catalogue of errors and failings that, in hindsight, may have proved disastrous for Baby P: inadequate staffing levels, shoddy training, dismal record keeping, poor communication with social services, and complacency about child protection procedures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may prove disastrous" when discussing potential future outcomes that carry significant negative consequences. Ensure the context clearly establishes what actions or situations could lead to the disastrous result.

Common error

Avoid using "may prove disastrous" in situations where the potential negative outcome is minor or insignificant. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may prove disastrous" functions as a qualifying statement expressing a potential negative outcome. It suggests that a certain action or situation has the potential to result in something very bad. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may prove disastrous" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the possibility of a future negative outcome. It's most commonly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Ludwig AI confirms it's suitable for use. While grammatically correct and conveying a sense of potential danger, it’s important to use the phrase judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like "could be devastating" or "might have dire consequences" can offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may result in catastrophe

Similar in meaning but employs a stronger word indicating widespread damage or suffering.

could lead to calamity

This alternative uses a more formal and dramatic term for disaster.

could be devastating

Focuses on the extent of the damage or impact.

might have dire consequences

This alternative emphasizes the severity of the potential consequences.

could turn out badly

This alternative is less formal and focuses on the potential for a negative outcome.

may have adverse effects

Focuses on the negative impact or influence of something.

might end in ruin

This option emphasizes the idea of complete failure or destruction.

might cause serious problems

A more general way to describe potential negative consequences.

might prove unfortunate

A more understated way of expressing a potentially negative outcome.

could backfire

Implies an unintended and negative consequence resulting from an action.

FAQs

How can I use "may prove disastrous" in a sentence?

Use "may prove disastrous" to describe a future action or event that has the potential to cause significant harm or failure. For example, "Ignoring the warning signs "may prove disastrous" for the company's financial stability."

What are some alternatives to "may prove disastrous"?

You can use alternatives like "could be devastating", "might have dire consequences", or "could lead to calamity" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to use "may be disastrous" instead of "may prove disastrous"?

While both are grammatically correct, ""may prove disastrous"" suggests that the disastrous nature will become evident over time, whereas "may be disastrous" implies an immediate or inherent quality.

What's the difference between "may prove disastrous" and "will prove disastrous"?

"May prove disastrous" indicates a possibility, while "will prove disastrous" expresses a higher degree of certainty that the outcome will be negative. "May" suggests uncertainty; "will" suggests conviction.