may truly be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may truly be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or likelihood that something is genuinely the case. Example: "The findings of the study may truly be indicative of a larger trend in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If not, then your weekend may truly be torturous".

The New York Times

But those who are paying for the download may truly be nuts.

The New York Times

There are some ideas in train that may truly be transformative.

The New Yorker

When kids can't even make out, the world may truly be coming to an end.

The New Yorker

If the Washington Nationals make the playoffs in 2010, Jason Marquis may truly be a talisman.

The New York Times

It may truly be said to have neither Force nor Will but merely judgment..

Cornell University

It may truly be said of this great lady that she loved the Java Java and it loved her.

The New Yorker

A gazelle and a grasshopper of the 18th dynasty may truly be described as objets de vertu.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At some point, there is an amount of money that for many may truly be hard to turn down.

The New York Times

As the title of one of his papers ominously puts it: "This time may truly be different".

The Economist

For many stories, the means of delivery, paper or pixel, may truly be irrelevant to the reader's experience.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may truly be" to express a genuine possibility when you want to emphasize the likelihood or authenticity of a statement. It adds a layer of conviction to your assertion, making it more persuasive.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessively using "may truly be" can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted, especially in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "might be" or "could be" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may truly be" functions as a modal adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express a possibility or likelihood with added emphasis on genuineness. As supported by Ludwig, it suggests that something is not just possible, but genuinely the case.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may truly be" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a possibility with added emphasis on its genuineness or likelihood. According to Ludwig, this construction is versatile and appears in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While it's generally considered Neutral, it's crucial to avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives like "might genuinely be" or "could realistically be" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone and emphasis. Understanding the nuances of "may truly be" ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might genuinely be

Replaces "may" with "might" and "truly" with "genuinely", softening the possibility slightly while retaining the emphasis on authenticity.

could realistically be

Substitutes "may" with "could" and "truly" with "realistically", suggesting a possibility grounded in practical considerations.

might very well be

Replaces "truly" with "very well", intensifying the possibility while maintaining a sense of likelihood.

may actually be

Substitutes "truly" with "actually", emphasizing the factual basis or reality of the possibility.

could in fact be

Replaces "may" with "could" and "truly" with "in fact", suggesting a possibility supported by evidence or circumstance.

may legitimately be

Replaces "truly" with "legitimately", focusing on the validity or justification of the possibility.

might conceivably be

Substitutes "may" with "might" and "truly" with "conceivably", indicating a possibility that is imaginable or believable, though perhaps not certain.

may potentially be

Replaces "truly" with "potentially", highlighting the inherent possibility without necessarily implying it is highly probable.

could authentically be

Substitutes "may" with "could" and "truly" with "authentically", suggesting a possibility rooted in genuine characteristics.

may veritably be

Replaces "truly" with "veritably", offering a more formal option, emphasizing the truth of the matter.

FAQs

What does "may truly be" mean?

The phrase "may truly be" expresses a possibility with an added emphasis on the genuineness or truth of that possibility. It suggests something is not just possible, but also likely or authentically the case.

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

Use "may truly be" when you want to express a possibility that you believe is genuinely likely. For example: "The solution to this problem "may truly be" simpler than we thought."

What are some alternatives to "may truly be"?

Alternatives include "might genuinely be", "could realistically be", or "might very well be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "may truly be" more formal than "may be"?

Yes, "may truly be" is generally more formal than simply "may be". The addition of "truly" emphasizes the authenticity or likelihood, making it suitable for more formal writing contexts.