may sign on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may sign on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the possibility of someone joining or logging into a system, platform, or organization. Example: "Employees may sign on to the new software platform starting next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

(Connecticut may sign on soon).

The New York Times

More may sign on before the filing deadline on Thursday.

The New Yorker

Few, I imagine, will venture out to collect butterflies, though many may sign on to watch them.

The New York Times - Travel

About a half-dozen other cities, including Chicago, are reviewing the plan and may sign on, said a spokesman for Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia, who is leading the initiative.

The New York Times

Marsh & McLennan, another major brokerage, may sign on as well.

Forbes

Bigham says the Department of Defense has expressed interest at "a very senior level" and believes that other government groups, such as the Department of Homeland Security and law enforcement agencies may sign on, too.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Head of Laboratory (and/or Project Leader) may inspect or verify entries and pages and may sign for this on the page(s) concerned.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

"Of course some of these players may not have the same contract that they've had this season, they may be asked to sign on for less and players usually go away.

BBC

T.W.A. is also heavily unionized, though its workers may be eager to sign on with a more financially stable carrier like American.

The New York Times

He said the Los Angeles Fire Department may be signing on soon.

Los Angeles Times

New York's Metropolitan Transit Authority will rake in over $1 million per year as a result of the Apple's lease on the terminal's balcony space, although some have pointed out that Apple may have signed on for a sweeter deal than other Grand Central tenants.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may sign on" when indicating a possibility or likelihood, not a certainty. It suggests an openness to joining or participating, but without a firm commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "may sign on" when a decision has already been made. Use language that reflects certainty, such as "will sign on" or "has signed on", to accurately convey the status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may sign on" functions as a verb phrase indicating a potential or possible future action. It expresses a degree of uncertainty about whether someone will join or participate in something. Ludwig AI confirms this in its analysis of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may sign on" serves as a verb phrase denoting the possibility of joining or participating in something. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct. While not exceedingly common, it finds consistent usage across news, academic, and scientific domains. For more formal communications, consider stronger alternatives. It's crucial to avoid using this phrase when certainty is established, as it suggests only a possibility. The phrase's meaning is generally well-understood. Authoritative sources, like The New York Times, commonly employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might agree to join

Replaces "sign on" with a more explicit expression of agreement and joining.

could potentially participate

Uses "participate" instead of "sign on", emphasizing the action of taking part.

are considering joining

Focuses on the consideration process before a decision is made.

are likely to endorse

Suggests a positive inclination towards supporting something, rather than just joining.

might come on board

Uses the idiom "come on board" for joining, which is more informal.

could be persuaded to join

Highlights the possibility of influence leading to their joining.

may give their assent

Replaces "sign on" with a more formal term for agreement.

might throw their weight behind

Emphasizes the potential support and influence someone could bring.

are in talks to join

Highlights the ongoing negotiations to reach an agreement to join.

could indicate their support

Focuses on expressing support rather than formally joining.

FAQs

How can I use "may sign on" in a sentence?

Use "may sign on" to indicate a possibility or likelihood of someone joining a group, initiative, or agreement. For example, "Several other companies "may sign on" to the project in the coming weeks."

What does "may sign on" mean?

"May sign on" means that someone is considering or likely to join or participate in something, but has not yet made a definite commitment. It suggests a possibility, not a certainty.

What can I say instead of "may sign on"?

You can use alternatives like "might join", "could participate", or "are considering joining" depending on the specific context.

Is "may sign on" formal or informal?

"May sign on" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "may endorse" or "may give their assent" exist for particularly formal situations.