proceeding may

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proceeding may" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It seems to be an incomplete expression and lacks context to determine its intended use. Example: "The proceeding may take longer than expected due to unforeseen circumstances."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

After a landlord serves the termination notice, a court proceeding may be started to evict the tenant.

The New York Times

In terms of Mr. Coke's ultimate sentence, the upshot of the unusual proceeding may be very little.

The New York Times

The trial against the firm was expected to start in January, but with Mr. Weiss's addition to the case, that proceeding may be delayed.

The New York Times

It is not the sort of precedent that contemporary legislators wish to rely on The current impeachment proceeding may be setting precedents for future generations.

The New Yorker

In contemplating what justice system response would reduce the burdens on surviving family members and maximize opportunities for emotional, physical and spiritual recovery, I suggest that a marathon, contested capital trial and sentencing proceeding may be the least well designed judicial intervention.

The New Yorker

In fact, he said, if the problem with the buzzer causes security concerns, the proceeding may be brought by an "order to show cause," which will allow the court to expedite the hearing date and issue an order directing immediate repair.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Some proceeds may be used for general corporate purposes, Grey Wolf said.

The New York Times

Some of the play's proceeds may help pay for something he has never had: a headstone.

The New York Times

Pentagon and other administration officials say they increasingly worry that the proceeds may be intended to finance weapons programs.

The New York Times

Allowing the copper mine to proceed may well raise growth in Myanmar after half a century of stagnation.

The Economist

Using sales proceeds may help a bit this year, but it does nothing to solve next year, or future funding when every scrap of land has gone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about potential actions or processes, clarify the subject of the "proceeding" to enhance comprehension. Instead of stating "proceeding may", specify what process, trial, or action is being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "proceeding may" without a clear subject. This phrasing can leave the reader wondering what specific process or action is being referenced. Always clarify the subject to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proceeding may" functions as a noun-modal verb construction, indicating a possibility related to a process or action. However, as Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase can often lack clarity without a specified subject, which can render it incomplete and ambiguous.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "proceeding may" is used, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable and potentially unclear. The phrase attempts to express possibility regarding an action or process, but often lacks necessary context. Its usage appears mainly in news and scientific sources. For enhanced clarity, consider alternative phrasings like "the process might" or "the action could", which specify the subject and reduce ambiguity. Always ensure the subject of the "proceeding" is clear to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the process might

Replaces "proceeding" with "process", focusing on the series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end.

the action could

Substitutes "proceeding" with "action", which refers to an act or thing done, with "could" indicating possibility.

it is possible that

Uses a clause to express the possibility of something happening, removing the noun "proceeding" altogether.

the trial could

Replaces "proceeding" with "trial", specifying a formal examination of evidence before a judge, and uses "could" to show possibility.

litigation might

Replaces "proceeding" with "litigation", specifying the action of carrying on a legal contest, with "might" indicating possibility.

the procedure can

Replaces "proceeding" with "procedure", which refers to an established or official way of doing something, and uses "can" to denote possibility.

the case could

Replaces "proceeding" with "case", referring to a specific instance or situation, especially in a legal context, and uses "could" to express possibility.

the inquiry might

Replaces "proceeding" with "inquiry", referring to an official investigation, and uses "might" to indicate possibility.

a hearing can

Replaces "proceeding" with "hearing", referring to an official inquiry or trial, and uses "can" to denote possibility.

the investigation may

Replaces "proceeding" with "investigation", referring to a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, with "may" indicating possibility.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "proceeding may" for better clarity?

For improved clarity, replace "proceeding may" with phrases like "the "process might"", "the "action could"", or "it is "possible that"", specifying the subject for greater understanding.

Is "proceeding may" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "proceeding may" can be grammatically ambiguous. It's better to use more explicit phrasing to avoid confusion, such as "the "trial could"" or "litigation might".

What does "proceeding may" imply in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "proceeding may" suggests a possible course of legal action. Rephrasing with terms like "the "case could"" or "a "hearing can"" may provide better specificity.

Are there alternatives to "proceeding may" for formal writing?

Yes, for formal writing, consider alternatives like "the "procedure can"" or "the "inquiry might"". These options often sound more polished and convey a higher level of formality.