may require

USAGE SUMMARY

'may require' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a modal verb used to express the possibility that something may be necessary or needed. For example, "Traveling to this destination may require a passport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That may require legislation.

The Economist

Cloning may require some horsepower.

The New York Times

Markets may require "adult supervision".

The Economist

It may require thinning out.

The New York Times - Health

The hernia may require surgery.

The New York Times

Upkeep may require historical expertise.

The New York Times

That may require new tools..

The Guardian - Business

The juxtaposition may require explanation.

The New York Times

That may require 20 reactors.

The New York Times

This may require tough and frank diplomacy.

The New York Times

With lingering soreness, Teixeira may require surgery.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may require", ensure the context clearly indicates what the potential requirement is and under what circumstances it becomes necessary.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of "may require" can make writing sound hesitant. Vary your language with stronger verbs like 'necessitates' or more direct phrasing when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may require" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility and necessity. It indicates that something is potentially needed or necessary under certain conditions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

42%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may require" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a conditional need or potential requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is grammatically sound and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news, wiki entries and scientific publications. While its register is generally neutral to formal, overuse can be avoided by using alternatives such as "might need" or "could necessitate" to maintain writing that sounds engaging and compelling. Understanding its nuances can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might need

Indicates a possibility of needing something, similar to "may require" but often perceived as slightly less formal.

potentially need

Directly states the potential need, emphasizing the possibility.

may necessitate

A more formal synonym for "may require", suggesting a degree of inevitability.

could necessitate

Suggests a potential need, often implying a more formal or technical context.

might call for

Indicates a potential need for a specific action or measure.

might demand

Emphasizes a stronger need or expectation than "may require".

possibly demand

Similar to "might demand" but with a slightly different emphasis on the possibility.

may entail

Similar to "may involve" but often used to indicate consequences or results.

could involve

Highlights that something might be a part of a process, rather than strictly necessary.

may benefit from

Suggests that something would be helpful, although not strictly required.

FAQs

How to use "may require" in a sentence?

The phrase "may require" indicates a possibility or potential need. For example, "Solving this problem "may require" further analysis" suggests that further analysis might be needed.

What can I say instead of "may require"?

You can use alternatives like "might need", "could necessitate", or "potentially need" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "may require" or "might require"?

Both ""may require"" and "might require" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "May" often suggests a slightly higher probability or a more formal tone than "might".

What's the difference between "may require" and "will require"?

"May require" indicates a possibility, while "will require" indicates certainty. "May require" suggests that something is potentially necessary, whereas "will require" indicates it is definitely necessary.