that we may

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that we may" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a purpose or intention, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "We gather here today that we may celebrate our achievements and honor those who have contributed to our success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Beyond that, we may have problems with electricity and water".

The New York Times

Although after that we may see a little more movement.

The Guardian

If Satoshi Nakamoto has any thoughts about that, we may never learn them.

The New Yorker

"After that, we may lose one or two non-contractors.

BBC

For that, we may need to slow down a bit.

Huffington Post

My fear is that we may not.

The New York Times

For that we may be grateful?

The Guardian - Opinion

And that we may be losing.

The New York Times

"And there are some privilege concerns that we may have".

The New York Times

And let's acknowledge that we may never know the truth.

The New York Times

Hall shows that we may already have done so.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that we may" to introduce a clause expressing purpose or intention, especially in formal writing or speeches. For instance: "We must invest in education that we may build a brighter future."

Common error

Avoid using "that we may" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "so we can" or "to" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that we may" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a clause that expresses the purpose or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to link a main clause with a subordinate clause expressing a reason or goal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that we may" serves as a formal way to express purpose or intention, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a subordinating conjunction, commonly found in News & Media and Academic writing. While grammatically correct, its formal tone may not be suitable for all contexts; simpler alternatives like "so we can" or "to" might be more appropriate in informal settings. Keep in mind that "that we may" is best used when a formal or literary tone is desired to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so that we might

Replaces 'may' with 'might', suggesting a slightly more formal or literary tone.

in order that we can

Substitutes 'that' with 'in order that' and 'may' with 'can', making the purpose more explicit.

so we can

A more concise and direct way of expressing the same intention.

to allow us to

Focuses on granting permission or opportunity.

so as to enable us to

More formal and emphasizes enablement or capability.

with the aim of

Highlights the goal or objective.

for the purpose of

States the reason or intent more explicitly.

in the hope that we

Expresses a wish or expectation.

if we are to

Indicates a condition or requirement for a future action.

that it is possible for us to

Emphasizes the possibility or potential for a certain outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "that we may" to introduce a clause of purpose or intention, often in formal contexts. For example: "We strive for peace "that we may" live in harmony".

What are some alternatives to using "that we may"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "so that we can", "in order to", or simply "to" followed by the verb. For example, instead of "that we may understand", you could say "so that we can understand" or "to understand".

Is "that we may" suitable for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "that we may" is generally more appropriate for formal writing or speeches. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "so we can" or "to" for a more natural tone.

What is the difference between "that we may" and "so that we can"?

Both phrases express purpose, but ""that we may"" is more formal and often used in literary or official contexts, while "so that we can" is more common in everyday language.