may then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may then" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a possibility or to introduce a hypothetical situation. For example, "If he does not complete the task, then he may then be asked to leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may then deteriorate.

The Economist

May then backed down.

The Guardian

Various supplementary criteria may then be invoked.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They may then decide to go elsewhere.

The Economist

Economic depression may then follow recession".

The Economist

The body temperature may then rise precipitously.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Jihadists may then leap on that throne".

The New York Times

Risk communication may then be designed accordingly.

Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases

The regulator may then request remedial action.

Columbia University

Emotional instability and irrationality may then ensue.

Britannica

A company's presence may then backfire.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may then" to clearly indicate a sequence of events where the second event is contingent on the first. This helps create a logical flow in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessively using "may then" can make your writing sound stilted. Vary your sentence structure with alternatives like "subsequently" or "thereafter" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may then" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate a potential consequence or subsequent action. As shown by Ludwig, it introduces a possibility contingent on a previous condition being met.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may then" functions as an adverbial phrase used to indicate a possible consequence or subsequent action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It is particularly common in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", suggesting a neutral to formal register. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse and consider alternatives such as "subsequently" or "thereafter". In summary, "may then" is a reliable tool for expressing conditional sequences, but strategic use is key to maintaining clarity and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may subsequently

Suggests a direct sequence of events, focusing on the immediate aftermath.

may thereafter

Implies a longer duration or a less immediate sequence following the initial action.

may consequently

Highlights the result or outcome of a preceding action or event.

may therefore

Indicates a logical conclusion or inference based on the previous statement.

might then

Replaces "may" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability or possibility.

could then

Uses "could" instead of "may", implying potential or capability more than probability.

may afterwards

Specifies a time frame following an action, emphasizing the sequence of events.

may later

Indicates that an event might happen at a non-specified point in the future.

may next

Suggests the immediate following action in a series of steps or events.

may thus

Emphasizes the method or manner in which a result is achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "may then" in a sentence?

The phrase "may then" is used to indicate a possible consequence or subsequent action. For example, "If the weather improves, we "may then" go for a walk."

What alternatives can I use instead of "may then"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "subsequently", "thereafter", "consequently", or "therefore" as alternatives to "may then".

Is it more formal to use "may then" or "might then"?

Both "may then" and "might then" are grammatically correct. "May then" implies a higher probability than "might then", with "might" suggesting a less certain outcome. The choice depends on the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "may then" and "may later"?

"May then" implies a more direct sequence of events, while "may later" suggests an action that could happen at some unspecified time in the future. For example, "If you finish your work, you "may then" go play" versus "You "may later" decide to change your mind."