that may sit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that may sit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the potential to remain in a particular position or state. Example: "The document is important and that may sit on your desk for a while until you have time to review it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A country that may sit on one of the world's largest gas reserves has seen output stagnate.

The Economist

But because shopping is based on weather patterns and fashion trends, retailers must pay for merchandise that may sit, unsold, on shelves for long periods.

The New York Times

Revelmode will focus on developing "premium" content: online-video shows that may sit within subscription services like YouTube Red, for which Kjellberg is already making a horror-themed series called Scare PewDiePie.

The Guardian - Tech

In 1971 the Crown Court replaced the individual courts (quarter sessions and assizes), and it is now a single court that may sit anywhere in England, deal with any trial on indictment, and hear appeals and proceedings either on a sentence or on civil matters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Elsewhere, appearances by Roy Ayers, a jazz and soul composer in his late seventies, and the Garden, an art-punk duo of twentysomething brothers in makeup and cowboy hats, highlighted the spread of sounds and eras that may sit comfortably next to each other on the playlists of the kids in attendance.

The New Yorker

Tara Bahrampour (NYT) MANHATTAN: TERRORISM TRIAL -- The judge overseeing the trial of four men accused of conspiring to blow up American embassies in Africa said more people than expected were willing to be on a jury that may sit for a year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The cause of all this trouble are flyspeck islands, called Senkaku by Japan, which administers them, that China, enticed that they may sit atop rich mineral reserves, claims.

The New York Times

DeNA is best known for releasing freemium mobile games that make their money from in-app purchases of virtual items and currency, so the deal raises the prospect of this model being applied to franchises like Mario and Zelda – something that may not sit well with all fans.

The Guardian - Tech

Such a free-form collaborative process can be messy and chaotic, and it requires a commitment to the group that may not sit well with some egos.

The New York Times

But now, many of them are poised to cast a vote that may not sit well at home and could invite the same kind of voter anger in 2012 — this time directed at them.

The New York Times

Molly Leggings: £65, lexiesport.co.uk If you're a sporadic runner, the idea of buying a ton of gym wear that may just sit gathering dust isn't a good one.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that may sit", ensure the context clearly indicates the potential for something to remain in a specific position or state. This phrasing works best when emphasizing uncertainty or possibility.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "that may sit" can sound somewhat passive or vague. In formal or business writing, consider stronger, more direct alternatives like "that will remain" or "that is expected to be".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that may sit" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun or pronoun, expressing a possibility or potential state. It introduces a subordinate clause that describes something with the potential to be in a certain position or state.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that may sit" is a grammatically sound relative clause used to express the potential for something to be in a specific state or location. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is suitable for diverse contexts, although it's more frequently found in news and media sources. When writing, remember that this phrase conveys uncertainty, so use it when emphasizing possibility rather than definitive statements. In formal writing, consider stronger alternatives if the context demands more certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could reside

Replaces "may" with "could" and "sit" with "reside", suggesting a possible location or placement.

that might be positioned

Uses "might" instead of "may" and rephrases "sit" to "be positioned", indicating a potential arrangement.

which potentially rests

Changes the structure to use "which" and replaces "may sit" with "potentially rests", implying a state of being supported or located.

that possibly lies

Substitutes "may sit" with "possibly lies", suggesting a potential location or condition.

that can be located

Replaces "may" with "can" and "sit" with "be located", denoting possibility and physical placement.

that could be situated

Uses "could" instead of "may" and "be situated" in place of "sit", suggesting a hypothetical location.

which is liable to stay

Uses "liable" instead of "may" and replaces "sit" to "stay", implying a possibility that the subject will remain in its current location.

that figures to settle

Replaces "may sit" with "figures to settle", implying an anticipation that something will come to rest.

that is expected to stay

Expresses more certainty than "that may sit", indicating that the subject is likely to stay in place.

that is able to exist

Replaces "may sit" to "is able to exist", suggesting a possibility that the subject can be located at a place.

FAQs

How can I use "that may sit" in a sentence?

Use "that may sit" to indicate a possibility of something remaining in a certain state or location. For example, "The responsibility "that may sit" with you is significant".

What are some alternatives to "that may sit"?

Consider alternatives such as "that could reside", "that might be positioned", or "which potentially rests" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that may sit"?

Yes, "that may sit" is grammatically correct and can be used to describe something that has the potential to remain in a particular position or state.

What's the difference between "that may sit" and "that will remain"?

"That may sit" suggests a possibility, while "that will remain" implies a higher degree of certainty. Choose the phrase that best reflects the level of assurance you want to convey.