that may work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that may work" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to express a suggestion or plan that may be successful. For example: "I'm not sure what to do - maybe we could try a different route, that may work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"For some couples that may work, but not others.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No, there are other types of immunotherapy that may work.

Columbia University

Train ticketing websites such as splityourticket.co.uk help spot combinations that may work.

The Guardian - Travel

Start small, and test an approach that may work for your brand.

The Guardian

Usually you might get one out of every five trick plays that may work.

The New York Times - Sports

But there are some factors that may work in the letter writer's favor.

The New York Times

One factor that may work in Mr. Gore's favor these days is the standard of comparison.

The New York Times

One thing that may work in the company's favor is a possible rebound in chemicals.

The New York Times

"Our conversations about future shows are ongoing as we explore other opportunities that may work for both of us".

The Guardian

It looks like a green wicket so, if they're bowling short, that may work well for me.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a black and white, all-or-nothing plan that may work in another division (see the Oakland A's).

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that may work" when suggesting a course of action whose success isn't guaranteed but is worth trying. It's best used in contexts where experimentation or tentative solutions are appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "that may work" when you're confident in the outcome. Phrases like "that will work" or "that should work" are better suited for situations with a higher degree of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that may work" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or potential success. It suggests a proposition whose outcome is uncertain but plausible. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that may work" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a tentative suggestion or a potential solution. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, from news articles to scientific publications. While appropriate for most situations, it's crucial to consider the level of certainty required and choose more confident language when applicable. Alternatives such as “"that could be effective"” or “"that might succeed"” can be used for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could function

Replaces "work" with "function", implying a focus on operational capability.

that might succeed

Substitutes "work" with "succeed", emphasizing a positive outcome or achievement.

that could be effective

Uses "effective" instead of "work", highlighting efficiency and desired results.

that may be feasible

Replaces "work" with "feasible", focusing on the practicality and possibility of implementation.

that might be viable

Employs "viable" instead of "work", stressing the sustainability and potential for long-term success.

that may prove useful

Highlights the potential usefulness of the action or suggestion.

that could potentially do the trick

Adds a more informal and idiomatic tone, suggesting a solution that might solve the problem.

that may get results

Focuses specifically on achieving a desired outcome or impact.

that has potential

Highlights the inherent possibilities and positive aspects.

that's a possible solution

Frames the suggestion as one of several potential answers.

FAQs

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

You can use "that may work" to suggest a possible solution or course of action, as in "If the first method doesn't succeed, "that may work"".

What's a more formal alternative to "that may work"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "that could be effective" or "that might succeed" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

Is "that may work" suitable for all types of writing?

"That may work" is appropriate for most general writing, but for highly formal or academic contexts, more precise or sophisticated alternatives might be preferable. For example, consider using "that could function".

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

"That may work" suggests a possibility with uncertain results, while "that will work" expresses greater confidence in the outcome. Use "that will work" when you're more certain and “"that may work"” when you want to offer a tentative solution.