might be more

USAGE SUMMARY

"might be more" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express uncertainty about a situation or something that could potentially be true but is not necessarily true. For example: "I thought there were only 20 students enrolled in the class, but there might be more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Might be more".

The New York Times - Magazine

That might be more important.

The New Yorker

"Gadfly" might be more accurate.

The New York Times

"Otherworldly" might be more accurate.

The New York Times

"It might be more cutting".

The New Yorker

"Brutal" might be more accurate.

The New Yorker

It might be more.

The New York Times

"It might be more form than substance".

The New York Times

Their next book might be more adventurous.

The New Yorker

The service sector might be more promising.

The Economist

The upshot might be more expensive audits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be more" to express a tentative suggestion or possibility, especially when offering an alternative perspective or correcting a previous statement.

Common error

Avoid using "might be more" when you need to convey certainty. In situations requiring a strong statement, opt for more decisive language to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be more" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a degree of possibility or uncertainty regarding a quantity, quality, or state. It suggests that something could potentially be greater, larger, or of higher value than what is currently known or assumed, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be more" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express possibility or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, carrying a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings. When writing, remember to use it to express tentativeness, and avoid it where certainty is needed. Consider alternatives like "could be greater" or "may be higher" to adjust the nuance. The phrase is valuable for suggesting alternatives or corrections without asserting them definitively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be greater

Replaces "might" with "could", suggesting possibility while emphasizing a greater magnitude.

may be higher

Substitutes "might" with "may" and "more" with "higher", implying a potentially elevated level.

could prove to be larger

Adds emphasis on the potential for something to be larger over time.

may well exceed

Suggests a strong possibility of surpassing a certain limit or expectation.

could easily surpass

Highlights the ease with which something might exceed a certain point.

is possibly superior

Focuses on the potential superiority of one thing over another.

is potentially greater

Emphasizes the inherent potential for something to be greater.

can even be more

Highlights the fact that "even" is a possible option, so the implication can be higher

has the capacity to be greater

Emphasizes the inherent ability or capacity for something to increase or improve.

it's possibly larger

Replaces "might" with "possibly" and "more" with "larger", focusing on size and uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "might be more" in a sentence?

You can use "might be more" to suggest a possibility or alternative, as in, "While the initial estimate was 100, the actual number "might be more"."

What are some alternatives to "might be more"?

Alternatives include "could be greater", "may be higher", or "is potentially greater", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "might be more" formal or informal?

"Might be more" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

How does "might be more" differ from "is more"?

"Might be more" indicates uncertainty or possibility, whereas "is more" expresses a definitive statement of fact. Using "might" softens the claim and introduces an element of doubt or speculation.