that may bring about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that may bring about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a potential cause or effect in various contexts, often relating to changes or outcomes. Example: "The new policy changes that may bring about significant improvements in employee productivity will be implemented next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The main objective of this study is to investigate the importance levels of factors that may bring about cost overruns in construction projects undertaken by micro-scaled construction companies.

Procedia Engineering

The issue is even more complex in cases where the medical practitioner in question is expected to perform an abortion themselves as opposed to prescribing a drug that may bring about that result.

Harvard University

Gideon Lichfield, the Jerusalem correspondent for the Economist, writes about "[Ariel] Sharon's dangerous legacy" at the Web site for Foreign Policy magazine: Sharon "set in motion a process that may bring about a Palestinian state of sorts, but not an end to the conflict.

The New York Times

United Way campaigns are once again in high gear around Chicago, but behind the scenes low-key negotiations are taking place that may bring about what is now one of the main goals of the organization: consolidation of Chicago's two large United Ways.

The New York Times

It also prevents sudden narrowing of the ligament that may bring about its rupture.

BMC Veterinary Research

We conducted a New Zealand-based study to contribute to the evidence base on the association between green space and health, and the underlying mechanisms that may bring about this relationship.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We talked to him about issues that this may bring about for non-digital natives but also about how studying online can either aid or hinder a digital native's learning process.

Harvard University

However, we find it difficult to acknowledge that the question of costs impaired by overexpression of chaperones is less important than the fact that overexpression may bring about phenotypic buffering (under laboratory conditions).

Biology Direct

We have not found any apparent difference concerning our results that this change may bring about, but now that we have relevant data coming from experiments, we would like to modify our model according to such knowledge.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The new research suggests that this strategy may bring about an increase in performance, and Dr. Thompson said that it has been used to coach elite middle-distance athletes, although he declined to provide details.

The New York Times - Health

The study suggests that there may be a significant increase in the frequency of severe El Niño events by the end of the century and that these events may bring about even more intense wildfires — unless, that is, humans stop setting them in the first place.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that may bring about" to introduce potential consequences or outcomes, particularly when discussing changes or future scenarios. For example: "The proposed legislation is designed to address issues that may bring about economic instability."

Common error

Avoid using "that may bring about" in excessively passive constructions. Instead of saying, "Changes that may be brought about by the new policy…", try a more direct and active formulation such as, "The new policy may bring about changes that…"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that may bring about" functions as a causal connector within a sentence. It introduces a potential cause or condition and links it to a possible outcome or consequence. Ludwig provides various examples across different domains, illustrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that may bring about" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a potential causal relationship. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources, reveals that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in academic, news, and scientific contexts. Its function is to introduce possible outcomes or consequences, and it is typically employed in neutral to formal registers. According to Ludwig AI, "that may bring about" is a valid and useful expression for conveying uncertainty about future events, distinguishing it from more definitive causal statements. When writing, avoid overuse in passive constructions and choose related phrases carefully to reflect the precise nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that may result in

Indicates a consequence or effect of a prior action or event.

that could cause

Focuses more directly on causation, implying a more immediate link.

that can lead to

Highlights the sequential nature of events, where one thing progresses to another.

that might generate

Emphasizes the creation or production of something as a result.

that can produce

Like 'generate', but with a slightly more direct implication of output.

that has the potential to create

Stresses the inherent possibility of a certain outcome.

that is apt to cause

Suggests a natural tendency or inclination towards a specific outcome.

that might instigate

Suggests the initiation of a process or event.

that has the capacity to effect

Highlights the power or ability to influence a change.

that is liable to trigger

Emphasizes the potential for a rapid or forceful reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "that may bring about" in a sentence?

Use "that may bring about" to introduce a potential cause-and-effect relationship. For example, "The proposed changes are intended to address issues "that may bring about" economic instability."

What are some alternatives to "that may bring about"?

Alternatives include "that could cause", "that can lead to", or "that might result in". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "that may bring about" or "that will bring about"?

"That may bring about" indicates a possibility, while "that will bring about" expresses certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the likelihood of the outcome. If the outcome is not guaranteed, use "that may bring about".

What's the difference between "that may bring about" and "that brings about"?

"That brings about" describes a direct and existing cause-and-effect relationship. "That may bring about" describes a potential future outcome. For example, "The new policy brings about change" versus "The new policy "that may bring about" change".