might however be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might however be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a possibility or suggestion while acknowledging a contrasting point or condition. Example: "The results of the experiment might however be inconclusive, depending on the sample size used."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It might, however, be unobtainable.

The Economist

It might, however, be reforming orthography.

The Economist

They might, however, be the silver buckshot.

The New York Times

This might, however, be about to change.

Independent

This might, however, be the problem.

The Guardian - Film

It might, however, be quietly listening to Barcelona's overtures.

The New York Times - Sports

They might, however, be surprised that the bias is perceptual.

The New York Times - Science

English viewers might, however, be tempted to see in her something of grocer's daughter Margaret Thatcher.

The Guardian - Film

There might, however, be a positive side to the square's newest resident.

The Guardian

A screwdriver might, however, be considered an offensive weapon – I'll come to those later.

The Guardian - Opinion

He might however be able to apply for medical parole, once sentenced.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might however be" to introduce a contrasting possibility or condition. It is useful when acknowledging a previous point but suggesting an alternative outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "might however be" in very simple sentences where a direct contrast can be expressed more concisely. In such cases, consider using "but" or "yet" for a smoother flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might however be" functions as a modal adverbial phrase. It introduces a sense of possibility while simultaneously indicating a contrast or concession. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase, commonly found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might however be" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a contrasting possibility. As Ludwig AI states, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across diverse sources—particularly news, scientific, and formal business contexts—affirm its utility in expressing nuanced perspectives. While alternatives like "may still be" or "could nonetheless be" exist, "might however be" offers a specific emphasis on both possibility and contrast, making it a valuable tool for sophisticated writing and communication. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in overly simple sentences where direct conjunctions might suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could however be

Substitutes "might" with "could", indicating a slightly reduced probability.

may however be

Substitutes "might" with "may", indicating a similarly reduced probability

may nevertheless be

Replaces "might" with "may" and "however" with "nevertheless", maintaining a formal tone.

could nonetheless be

Substitutes "might" with "could" and "however" with "nonetheless", implying a slightly weaker possibility.

may still be

Replaces "however" with "still", simplifying the sentence structure while retaining the core meaning.

might in any case be

Replaces "however" with "in any case", emphasizing that something is true regardless of what was previously mentioned.

might yet be

Replaces "however" with "yet", offering a slightly more concise alternative with a slightly different emphasis on time.

might alternatively be

Replaces "however" with "alternatively", suggesting another possibility or option to consider.

might instead be

Replaces "however" with "instead", presenting a different option or course of action.

might then be

Replaces "however" with "then", suggesting a logical consequence or a next step in reasoning.

FAQs

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

Use "might however be" to introduce a possibility that contrasts with a previous statement. For example, "The initial data is promising; the long-term effects "might however be" different."

What are some alternatives to "might however be"?

Alternatives include "may nevertheless be", "could nonetheless be", or "may still be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "however" after "might"?

While "might" already implies uncertainty, "however" adds a stronger sense of contrast or concession. The combination isn't inherently redundant but should be used judiciously to emphasize the contrast.

What's the difference between "might however be" and "might instead be"?

"Might however be" introduces a contrasting possibility, whereas "might instead be" presents an alternative possibility. "Might however be" acknowledges the previous point before introducing a contrast, while "might instead be" offers a direct alternative.