that May

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that May" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific event or situation that is expected to occur in the month of May. Example: "The project deadline is set for that May, so we need to start preparing now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may have advantages.

The Economist

That may seem logical.

Independent

That may seem surprising.

The Economist

That may discourage some.

The New York Times

That may not happen.

The Economist

That may be debatable.

The New York Times - Sports

That may seem odd.

The Economist

That may be overstatement.

The New York Times

That may be enough.

The New York Times - Science

That may change, however.

The Economist

Unfortunately, that may change.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that May" to introduce a degree of uncertainty or speculation about a particular situation. It is often followed by a statement that either supports or contradicts the initial claim.

Common error

Avoid using "that May" when you are certain about a fact. This phrase indicates a possibility, not a certainty. Use stronger verbs or adverbs to reflect certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that May" functions as an introductory expression of possibility or speculation. It typically precedes a statement that clarifies or qualifies the initial assertion, creating a sense of uncertainty or potential. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that May" is a versatile expression used to introduce an element of uncertainty or possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and frequently found in news and media contexts. It serves to temper statements, suggest alternative scenarios, and acknowledge potential challenges. While it's appropriate for general use, remember that it indicates a possibility, not a certainty. Consider related phrases such as "that could happen" or "that might be" for similar effects. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "that May" into your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that might be

Expresses uncertainty or possibility regarding a statement.

that's a possibility

Directly states the potential for something to occur.

that could happen

Focuses on the potential for an event to occur.

that could be the case

Suggests a situation is possibly true or factual.

that is possible

Indicates feasibility or the chance of something being true.

perhaps that will

Expresses a degree of uncertainty or hope about a future event.

it is plausible that

Highlights the apparent reasonableness or believability of a claim.

it's conceivable that

Suggests something is within the realm of possibility, although not necessarily probable.

it is not unlikely that

Indicates a reasonable chance of something happening.

that remains to be seen

Indicates the outcome is still uncertain and will only be revealed in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "that May" in a sentence?

Use "that May" to introduce a possibility or potential outcome, often followed by an explanation or contrasting view. For example, "The initial report was promising; however, "that may not last"."

What are some alternatives to using "that May"?

You can use alternatives such as "that could happen", "that might be", or "that is possible" to express similar uncertainty or speculation.

Is "that May" the same as "this May"?

"That May" refers to a specific future event in May that has already been discussed or is known. "This May" refers to the current or upcoming May. The key difference is the temporal context; "that May" references a previously identified time, while "this May" refers to the immediate upcoming May.

How to know when to use "that May" versus "it is possible that"?

Use "that May" when you want to present a concise, slightly informal expression of possibility, often in response to a previous statement. Use "it is possible that" when you want to express the same sentiment but in a more formal or explicit manner. In short, "that may" work well in spoken conversation, but "it is possible that" is best for writing.