may still have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may still have" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the possibility that something continues to exist or be true despite other circumstances. Example: "Even after all these years, she may still have feelings for him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Before closing, it may still have to handle appeals.

The New York Times

Linux may, still, have a rough road ahead.

The New York Times

Hotels in nearby Erlangen and Fürth may still have vacancies.

The New York Times - Travel

So Buchan may still have a powerful British aura.

The New York Times

But he may still have made genuine advances.

The New York Times - Books

On second thought, he may still have a political career.

The New York Times

You may still have to do more research, however.

The New York Times

He may still have been painting in 1660.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And Chavez's bat may still have some life.

The New York Times - Sports

That is, we may still have taxpayer-led bailouts.

The New York Times

Experimental geophysics may still have some way to go.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may still have", ensure the context clearly indicates the possibility that something continues to exist or be true despite other circumstances. For example: "Despite the challenges, the project "may still have" a chance of success."

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on "may still have" can make your writing sound repetitive or uncertain. Consider using stronger verbs or more direct phrasing to convey your message with more conviction. For example, instead of "The company "may still have" an opportunity", try "The company retains an opportunity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may still have" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or continued existence. It indicates that something could continue to be true, even amidst changing circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may still have" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal phrase that expresses possibility or continued existence. Ludwig AI identifies its usage as neutral in register and suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. While common, it's important to use it judiciously, considering stronger verbs or more direct phrasing for increased conviction in formal writing. Related phrases such as "might yet possess" or "could conceivably retain" offer nuanced alternatives. By understanding its function and potential alternatives, writers can effectively use "may still have" to convey uncertainty or qualified optimism in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might yet possess

Replaces "may" with "might" and "have" with "possess", suggesting a slightly lower probability and a more formal tone.

could conceivably retain

Substitutes "may" with "could conceivably" and "have" with "retain", indicating possibility and the act of keeping something.

possibly continue to hold

Replaces "may still" with "possibly continue to" and "have" with "hold", emphasizing the continuation of possession.

might continue to own

Similar to the query, but uses "own" instead of "have", focusing on possession or ownership.

could still be in possession of

Expands the phrase to emphasize the state of being in possession.

may yet experience

Shifts the focus to the possibility of experiencing something, rather than possessing it.

might possibly gain

Focuses on the potential acquisition of something.

could potentially access

Highlights the potential for accessing or obtaining something.

may in the future retain

Adds a temporal dimension, indicating future retention.

might eventually secure

Emphasizes the eventual securing or obtaining of something.

FAQs

How can I use "may still have" in a sentence?

"May still have" indicates a possibility that something continues to exist or be true. For instance, "Even with the setbacks, the team "may still have" a chance to win".

What are some alternatives to "may still have"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might yet possess", "could conceivably retain", or "possibly continue to hold", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "may still have" in formal writing?

Yes, "may still have" is grammatically correct. However, in formal contexts, consider whether a more direct or confident expression might be more suitable. For example, evaluate whether a more affirmative statement is more appropriate or not.

What's the difference between "may still have" and "might still have"?

Both "may still have" and "might still have" express possibility. "May" suggests a slightly higher degree of possibility than "might", but the difference is often subtle. The choice depends on the writer's intended level of uncertainty.