may they

USAGE SUMMARY

"may they" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a wish or hope for a particular outcome. For example: "May they always be happy together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Long may they reign".

The New York Times - Arts

Long may they thrive.

The New York Times - Arts

Long may they hold.

The Guardian - Opinion

May they soon return.

The New York Times - Arts

Well may they celebrate.

The Guardian - Film

Long may they live".

The Guardian - Books

Long may they howl.

The Guardian - Music

Long may they honeymoon.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

May they never be forgotten.

BBC

In mid-May, they finally moved in.

The New York Times

"May they symbolise industrial and international peace".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "may they" to add a touch of elegance or solemnity to your writing, particularly in ceremonial contexts or when offering blessings.

Common error

Avoid using "may they" when framing a direct question. "May they go?" sounds archaic and awkward. Instead, use a more direct and contemporary phrasing like "Are they allowed to go?"

Linguistic Context

May they functions primarily as an optative expression, conveying a wish, hope, or blessing. Ludwig AI and the examples confirm its use in expressing desires for positive outcomes, as in "May they find peace" or "May they live long and prosper."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

May they" is a versatile phrase used to express a wish, hope, or blessing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register leans towards neutral to formal, it effectively conveys heartfelt desires and blessings. When writing, it's best to use "may they" in situations where you want to express a formal and sincere hope, but avoid using it in direct questions. Consider alternatives like "I hope they" or "it is hoped that they" for slight variations in formality. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively utilize "may they" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hope they

Replaces "may" with a more direct expression of hope, slightly less formal.

let them

Expresses a permissive wish or allowance, implying a degree of control or influence.

it is hoped that they

A more formal and passive way of expressing a hope or wish.

we wish them to

Directly conveys a wish for someone's action or state, slightly more assertive.

if only they would

Expresses a wish with a hint of regret or longing, implying a condition that is not yet met.

would that they

An archaic and literary way of expressing a strong wish.

may it be that they

Emphasizes the possibility and desire for a specific outcome.

heaven forbid they

Expresses a strong wish that something undesirable does not happen.

God grant that they

Invokes a divine power to fulfill a wish or hope, adding a religious tone.

I pray that they

Expresses a hope with a sense of supplication or earnest request.

FAQs

How do I use "may they" in a sentence?

"May they" is used to express a wish, hope, or prayer. For example, "May they find happiness" expresses a hope for their happiness.

What's a formal alternative to "may they"?

A more formal alternative is "it is hoped that they". For example, instead of "May they succeed", you could say "It is hoped that "it is hoped that they" succeed".

How does "may they" differ from "I hope they"?

"May they" is more formal and conveys a stronger sense of wishing or blessing, while "I hope they" is more direct and personal. While both express desire, "may they" carries a more traditional tone.

Can "may they" be used in negative sentences?

Yes, "may they" can be used in negative sentences to express a wish that something does not happen. For example, "May they not suffer" expresses a wish that they remain free from suffering.