may still work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may still work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something has the potential to function or be effective despite possible doubts or changes in circumstances. Example: "Even though the technology is outdated, it may still work for our current needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It may still work.

The Economist

They may still work with companies.

The New York Times - Health

As an act it may still work.

The Guardian - Film

The UMP has refused to follow suit, but the tactic may still work.

The Economist

The crude methods may still work to soften the ground and drown out other voices, but in the end they are still very big sticks.

The New York Times

The assumption seemed plausible, and it may still work to Bush's advantage, especially in the debates, but Gore will have to cooperate.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

If the "Fail" comes up, turn the knob to "Wire Map" to see where the problem is occurring; if only one number is blinking, the cable may likely still work.

WikiHow

In the hydrophobic pockets of proteins the solvent dielectric constants are small, and the Hp-π interactions may be still working well.

Chemistry Central Journal

Of course, on Sunday, he suggested Jell-O wrestling, so he may be still working out his plan just like USATF.

Huffington Post

He may still be working to balance the budget, but Trudeau's core balance certainly doesn't need any more work.

Huffington Post

New allotmenteers may still be working their way through a list of vegetables they want to grow.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may still work" when you want to express a possibility that something could be effective or functional despite potential doubts or changes in circumstances. It's a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts.

Common error

While "may still work" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem uncertain. Consider stronger alternatives like "remains effective" or "is still viable" to project more confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may still work" functions as a modal expression indicating a possibility or potential for continued effectiveness. It suggests that despite doubts or changes, something could still be functional or successful, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may still work" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the possibility of continued effectiveness or functionality despite potential doubts or challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile and appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts with a neutral register. While alternatives like "might still function" or "could still be effective" exist, "may still work" offers a balanced tone suitable for a range of situations. To enhance writing quality, avoid overusing it in formal settings where stronger, more confident alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might still function

Replaces "may" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower degree of probability or confidence.

could still be effective

Substitutes "work" with "be effective", indicating a focus on the result or outcome.

could yet succeed

Emphasizes the potential for future success, implying previous doubts or challenges.

might yet prove useful

Highlights the potential for usefulness, suggesting a practical application or benefit.

may continue to operate

Focuses on the continuation of operation, implying a process or system that is still running.

might persevere

Indicates a sustained effort or resistance against obstacles, suggesting continued existence or validity.

may remain viable

Highlights the continued viability or feasibility of something, implying a degree of uncertainty.

could hold true

Emphasizes the continued validity or accuracy of a statement or belief.

may serve its purpose

Focuses on the fulfillment of a specific purpose or function, suggesting continued relevance.

might just do the trick

Suggests a potential solution or remedy to a specific problem or situation, with a slightly informal tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "may still work" to suggest that something has a chance of being effective, even if it's not guaranteed. For example: "The old method "may still work", despite the new technology available."

What are some alternatives to "may still work"?

Alternatives include "might still function", "could still be effective", or "might yet prove useful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "may still work"?

It's appropriate when you want to express a degree of uncertainty or possibility about the continued effectiveness or functionality of something. It fits well in situations where there are potential doubts or changing circumstances.

What's the difference between "may still work" and "will still work"?

"May still work" suggests a possibility with some uncertainty, while "will still work" expresses a higher degree of confidence and certainty about the continued effectiveness or functionality.