may still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may still" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possible continuation of a situation or a state of affairs into the future. For example: Despite the difficulties she faced, she may still find a way to succeed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Protests may still come.

The Economist

It may still be.

The New Yorker

It may still work.

The Economist

(And may still).

The New York Times

Parents may still be adrift.

The New York Times - Books

He may still do it.

The New York Times - Sports

That may still be true.

The Economist

Well, they may still lose.

The New York Times

Picasso may still surprise us.

Independent

That may still happen.

The New York Times

That may still be.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may still" to indicate that an event or action is possible despite previous circumstances or expectations. It conveys a sense of continued possibility, not a certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "may still" when you want to express a high degree of certainty. The phrase suggests a possibility, not a guarantee. If you are sure about the outcome, use a more decisive phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may still" functions as a modal adverbial, modifying a verb to indicate a continued possibility or likelihood. It suggests that an action or state is possible, even in light of circumstances that might suggest otherwise. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may still" is a versatile modal adverbial phrase used to express ongoing possibility or likelihood. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. Its frequency is rated as "very common", appearing predominantly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While "may still" carries a neutral tone appropriate for many situations, it's crucial to avoid using it when expressing certainty. Instead, alternatives such as "could still" or "might still" offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could still

Replaces "may" with "could", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

might still

Substitutes "may" with "might", implying a slightly more tentative possibility.

can still

Uses "can" instead of "may", suggesting a possibility that depends on ability or circumstance.

is still possible

Rephrases the idea to emphasize the possibility rather than a potential action.

remains possible

Similar to "is still possible" but with a slightly more formal tone.

has a chance to

Indicates a possibility of something happening.

there's still a chance

Highlights that an opportunity or possibility remains.

it is yet possible

Emphasizes that something is still able to happen in the future.

it remains to be seen

Shifts the focus to uncertainty about a future outcome.

the possibility remains

Highlights that a certain outcome is still possible, though not guaranteed.

FAQs

How do you use "may still" in a sentence?

Use "may still" to express that something is possible or could continue to happen, despite potential obstacles or past events. For example, "Despite the rain, the picnic "may still" go ahead".

What are some alternatives to "may still"?

Alternatives include "could still", "might still", "is still possible", or "remains possible" depending on the context and the degree of possibility you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "may still" or "might still"?

Both "may still" and "might still" are used to express possibility. "May" often implies a slightly higher degree of possibility than "might", but the difference is subtle and often depends on personal preference or regional usage.

Can "may still" be used to talk about past events?

No, "may still" is typically used to discuss future possibilities or the continuation of a present state into the future, not to describe past events. To discuss possibilities in the past, you could use "might have" or "could have".