that may contain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that may contain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the possibility of including certain elements or information within a larger context or item. Example: "The document is a summary of the project, but it may contain sensitive information that should not be shared publicly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Salad products that may contain contaminated meat also were recalled.

The New York Times

Do not wear makeup that may contain metal specks.

Harvard University

Vaccines are often prepared in media that may contain byproducts from slaughtered cattle.

The New York Times

They are highly diluted solutions that may contain no discernible trace of the original ingredients.

The Guardian

They were there for anyone to read (including ones that may contain false or planted information).

The New Yorker

Don't use old dummies and PVC toys that may contain now-banned phthalates.

The Guardian

We reformulate AGM postulates for belief revision systems that may contain conditional formulas.

Artificial Intelligence

functions (not used in the figure scripts) that may contain bugs.

Yale University

If you have tatoos that may contain metal dye, notify the study representative.

Harvard University

Do not wear eyeshadow or other makeup that may contain metal specks.

Harvard University

It is expensive to handle returns of products that may contain dozens of individual parts in a box, she says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that may contain", ensure the possibility is genuine and not mere speculation. If certainty exists, opt for "that contains".

Common error

Avoid using "that may contain" when the inclusion of something is already known or highly probable. This weakens your statement. Use "that includes" or "that contains" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that may contain" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It indicates a potential or possibility regarding the inclusion of certain elements or attributes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that may contain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as determined by Ludwig. Its primary function is to express a possibility or uncertainty regarding the inclusion of certain elements. It's suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from scientific papers to news articles and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the possibility is genuine and that you don't overuse it in definitive statements. Consider alternatives like "that could include" for more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could include

Indicates a possibility of inclusion, similar to the original phrase, with a slightly stronger sense of potential.

that might encompass

Suggests a broader scope of inclusion, implying a comprehensive coverage.

that potentially holds

Emphasizes the capacity to hold or possess something, highlighting a holding attribute.

that perhaps embodies

Implies that the subject is a concrete example of something, has a more abstract meaning, implying the encapsulation of qualities.

which might incorporate

Focuses on the action of incorporating or integrating elements, instead of just holding them.

which can comprise

Highlights the components or elements that make up the whole, suggesting a compositional aspect.

that has the potential to include

A longer, more explicit way of stating the possibility of inclusion, adding emphasis.

that is liable to consist of

Suggests a higher likelihood of including certain elements, with a sense of expectation.

that may harbor

Suggests the presence of something hidden or protected within, different implication than simply containing.

that is subject to carrying

Emphasizes the obligation or tendency to carry something, implying a responsibility.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that may contain" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "that could include", "that might encompass", or "that potentially holds", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "that may contain" and "that contains"?

Yes, "that may contain" suggests a possibility or uncertainty about the inclusion, while "that contains" indicates a definite inclusion. Use "that may contain" when the presence of something is not confirmed.

When is it appropriate to use "that may contain" in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "that may contain" is appropriate when discussing potential contaminants, substances, or elements that are not definitively confirmed through analysis but are suspected based on the experimental context. For example, "the sample that may contain traces of lead".

What are some common synonyms for "that may contain" in everyday language?

In more casual contexts, you can substitute "that may contain" with phrases like "that could have", "that might hold", or simply "possibly with", depending on the sentence structure.