might only make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might only make" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility that something will result in a limited or specific outcome. Example: "If we proceed with this plan, it might only make the situation worse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Then our tampering might only make things worse.

The New York Times - Books

Today a system of carefully designed regulations protects desperate people from medical experiments that might only make them worse.

MIT Technology Review

Make an effective apology: If you're seeking forgiveness from others, studies suggest that apologizing will help but weak apologies might only make things worse.

University of California, Berkeley

The core-buildup process can also form rocky planets like Earth; a fast and hot collapse might only make giant gassy planets.

Stanford University

The Hateful Eight is Tarantino's eighth film and he's repeatedly suggested he might only make 10, instead writing plays or novels in his later years.

Independent

The legendary diplomat Ryan Crocker argues in a recent essay in YaleGlobal that major outside interventions might only make things worse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Tourism creates jobs and puts much-needed income into the hands of local people, including those who previously might only have made a living from fishing," Mr. Matthews-Sawyer said.

The New York Times - Travel

Giving this process some explicit thought however might not only make you a better manager; it might also help others improve their inquiry skills as well.

Harvard Business Review

Separately, skipping workouts might not only make your stomach flabby.

The New York Times

If it succeeds, Google's experiment might not only make future IPOs less vulnerable to manipulation by powerful investment banks, but loosen those banks' grip over the entire process.Google has included plain English in its prospectus, not just legalese.

The Economist

Surgeons can already perform operations via telemedicine and beaming might not only make that routine but also enable medical students in different countries to get hands-on training simultaneously.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might only make", ensure the sentence clearly indicates the limited or specific outcome you're referring to. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "might only make" when a more significant or certain outcome is actually expected. This phrase is best suited for situations where the result is genuinely limited or uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might only make" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or a limited potential outcome. It suggests that an action may lead to a specific result, without guaranteeing it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might only make" is a versatile phrase used to express the potential for a limited or uncertain outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's commonly found in news, academic, and general writing contexts, serving to convey caution or skepticism. While grammatically sound, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring the context accurately reflects a genuinely limited or uncertain result. Related phrases like "could merely create" or "may simply cause" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, each with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could merely create

Emphasizes the potential for a minimal or insignificant result.

may simply cause

Highlights the chance of a straightforward or uncomplicated effect.

might just produce

Suggests a possibility with a sense of ease or lack of effort.

could potentially lead to

Focuses on the possibility of a future consequence or outcome.

may perhaps generate

Adds a layer of uncertainty or tentativeness to the potential result.

might inadvertently bring about

Highlights the unintentional nature of the potential result.

may conceivably give rise to

Implies a theoretical possibility or a result that is not immediately obvious.

could possibly contribute to

Indicates a partial or contributing factor to a larger result.

may do no more than

Focuses on the limitation and lack of further effects of the action.

might at best result in

Highlights that the potential result is the most positive one that can be expected.

FAQs

How can I use "might only make" in a sentence?

You can use "might only make" to express a possibility that an action will result in a specific or limited outcome. For example: "Trying to force the issue might only make things worse."

What can I say instead of "might only make"?

You can use alternatives like "could merely create", "may simply cause", or "might just produce" depending on the context.

Is "might only make" the same as "will only make"?

No, "might only make" suggests a possibility and uncertainty, while "will only make" indicates a definite outcome. The former is less assertive than the latter.

Can "might only make" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "might only make" can be used in formal writing, but ensure the context is appropriate and the tone aligns with the formality of the document. It's suitable when expressing a possible and limited outcome.