may that be

USAGE SUMMARY

'may that be' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a statement of hope or wish. For example: "May that be the last difficult obstacle we need to overcome this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Long may that be the case".

The Guardian - Arts

And long may that be a privilege for the people here … without having to watch commercials".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When may that be? "I don't know," said Mr. de Prémont.

The New York Times - Arts

What kind of a business in life . . . may that be?" Henry James understood Hawthorne's shrinking apologias.

The New Yorker

Few statues of this national hero exist — long may that be so — but no one ever campaigned for them to fall.

The Guardian - Opinion

Abbott praised BHP, Rio and Fortescue as "terrific Australian businesses" that had flourished in a competitive free market "and long may that be the case".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It may be that was coincidental.

The New York Times

Whatever that may be".

The New York Times

It may be all that is needed.

WikiHow

That may be possible.

The New York Times

That may be revealing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may that be", ensure the subject of the phrase is clear. For instance, "May that be a lesson to all" clearly indicates what the hope is directed towards.

Common error

Avoid using "may that be" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. It's better suited for more formal or reflective contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may that be" functions primarily as an optative expression, conveying a wish, hope, or desire for a particular outcome or state of affairs. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and is typically used as a statement of hope or wish.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

21%

Reference

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may that be" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a wish or hope. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English, particularly in more formal contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, indicating its relevance in conveying desires for potential outcomes in public discourse. Related phrases like "let it be so" or "so be it" offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments, each with its own subtle nuance. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let it be so

This alternative uses a more direct and assertive tone.

so be it

This expresses acceptance or resignation to a situation.

i hope that is true

Expresses a desire for something to be factual or realized.

i wish that were so

Indicates a longing for something that may not be true.

if that is the case

This is a more conditional and less hopeful expression.

i trust that is the situation

A more confident expression of belief in a state of affairs.

i pray that is correct

Emphasizes a hopeful desire for accuracy.

hopefully that's what happens

Expresses optimism regarding a future event.

heaven forbid

Implies a strong desire to prevent something undesirable.

i look forward to that being the reality

A more elaborate and anticipatory version of the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "may that be" in a sentence?

You can use "may that be" to express a wish or hope, such as "May that be a lesson to all who witness this" or "May that be the turning point we need".

What are some alternatives to "may that be"?

Alternatives include "let it be so", "so be it", or "I hope that is true", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "may that be" formal or informal?

"May that be" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, phrases like "hopefully" or "I hope so" are more appropriate.

What's the difference between "may that be" and "if that is the case"?

"May that be" expresses a desire or hope for something to be true, while "if that is the case" introduces a conditional statement, presenting a possibility without necessarily expressing a preference.