might bring about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might bring about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or potential outcome resulting from a certain action or event. Example: "The new policy might bring about significant changes in the workplace environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A better-functioning government might bring about such a change.

The Economist

On the other hand, economic growth might bring about changes in a country's religiosity.

The Economist

The other is that really harsh sanctions might bring about the sudden collapse of his regime.

The Economist

The emotional theme was anger and disbelief of the kind that might bring about political change.

The New York Times

The current approach, he said, might bring about "greater visibility rather than greater substance".

The Guardian - Business

2] for political, as opposed to military, initiatives that might bring about a cease-fire in Laos.

The New York Times

Mr Gandhi wants a debate on that, and also to discuss how constitutional reform might bring about other gains.

The Economist

Imagine the changes they might bring about, perhaps changes they would have resisted if they'd been imposed from above.

The Guardian

Sex and the Citadel hopes for the reverse: that political changes might bring about greater sexual liberty.

The Guardian - Books

Only one (implausible) event might bring about rapid, and real, competition: a sudden surge of interest by the average American in his electricity bill.

The Economist

Ukrainian bond prices have plummeted.A rapid and clear decision by the supreme court might bring about a speedy resolution of the conflict.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might bring about" when suggesting a possible, but not certain, outcome. It's useful for scenarios where you want to express potential consequences without making definitive claims.

Common error

Avoid using "might bring about" when you're certain about the outcome. If the result is definite, use stronger verbs like "will cause" or "ensures" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might bring about" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potential outcome. It suggests that an action or event could lead to a certain result, but without guaranteeing it. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis which confirms it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might bring about" is a versatile phrase used to express potential consequences or results. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a possibility, not a certainty. Consider alternatives like "could cause" or "may result in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Be mindful not to use it when the outcome is guaranteed, as this would be misleading. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could cause

Focuses specifically on causation, implying a direct relationship between the action and the result.

could produce

Highlights the creation or generation of something as a result of an action.

could lead to

Suggests a progression or sequence of events where one thing initiates another.

may generate

Emphasizes the potential for something to create or produce a specific outcome.

may result in

Directly indicates that something could be the consequence of a particular action.

may give rise to

Implies that something could initiate or create a new situation or phenomenon.

could give rise to

Indicates a potential for initiation or the start of a new event or situation.

may precipitate

Suggests a potential for causing something to happen suddenly or prematurely.

might precipitate

Indicates a possibility that something might cause a sudden event or action.

could spark

Implies that something could ignite or initiate a particular action, event or emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "might bring about" in a sentence?

You can use "might bring about" to suggest a possible outcome or result. For example, "The new policy might bring about significant changes in the company’s culture."

What phrases can I use instead of "might bring about"?

Alternatives include "could cause", "could lead to", or "may result in". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "might bring about" formal or informal?

"Might bring about" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using alternatives like "may precipitate" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "might bring about" and "will bring about"?

"Might bring about" suggests a possibility, while "will bring about" implies certainty. Use "might" when the outcome is uncertain and "will" when the outcome is definite.