may very well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may very well" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong possibility or likelihood of something happening. Example: "Given the current circumstances, she may very well decide to postpone the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He may very well succeed".

The New York Times

It may very well be higher.

The New Yorker

Mr Bolton may very well leave tomorrow.

The Economist

That may very well be the case.

The New York Times

Your cellphone may very well contain them.

The New York Times

And Mr. Ackman may very well win.

The New York Times

Saban may very well win in September.

The New York Times - Sports

"That may very well lock people in.

The New York Times

They may very well believe that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pettitte may very well hold the key to the hearing.

The New York Times - Sports

And that's what it may very well remain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by your audience. While generally acceptable, "may very well" can sometimes be replaced with more formal or informal alternatives depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "may very well" excessively in formal or academic writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound less direct. Instead, consider more concise alternatives like "is likely" or "is probable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may very well" functions as a modal phrase, expressing a strong possibility or likelihood. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase suggests a higher probability than simply using "may", but stops short of a definite assertion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may very well" is a common and grammatically correct modal phrase used to express a strong possibility or likelihood. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for neutral contexts, often appearing in news and media. While it indicates a higher probability than simply using "may", it avoids a definite assertion. When writing, remember that overusing "may very well" in formal writing can make you sound less direct, so consider alternatives like "is likely" or "is probable" for more concise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could well

A more concise way of expressing a strong possibility.

might easily

Indicates a slightly lower degree of certainty than the original phrase.

is very likely to

More direct and slightly less nuanced than the original phrase.

could possibly

Emphasizes the possibility of something happening, but may imply slightly less likelihood.

might be able to

Indicates potential ability or capacity, adding a conditional aspect.

is quite likely to

Replaces the modal verb with an adjective phrase, increasing formality.

stands a good chance of

Emphasizes the opportunity or potential for something to occur.

is highly probable to

A more formal and emphatic way of indicating a high degree of likelihood.

is apt to

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination.

is inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or leaning towards a particular action or outcome.

FAQs

What does "may very well" mean?

The phrase "may very well" is used to express a strong possibility or likelihood of something happening. It suggests that something is quite probable but not certain.

How can I use "may very well" in a sentence?

You can use "may very well" to indicate that something is likely to occur. For example: "Given the evidence, the jury "may very well" find the defendant guilty."

What are some alternatives to "may very well"?

Alternatives to "may very well" include "is likely to", "could well", and "might easily". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "may very well" or "will"?

The choice between "may very well" and "will" depends on the level of certainty you want to convey. "Will" indicates a higher degree of certainty than "may very well". If you are not completely sure about something, "may very well" is a more appropriate choice.