they may be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they may be" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate the possibility of something being true. For example, "They may be the catalyst for change in the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whoever they may be.

Independent

They may be exaggerating.

The Economist

They may be fractal.

The New Yorker

They may be disappointed.

The Economist

They may be right.

The New York Times

They may be someday.

The New York Times

They may be able to.

The New Yorker

They may be too late".

The New York Times

They may be creative miscreants.

The New York Times

They may be surprised, however.

The New York Times

They may be getting impatient.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they may be" to express uncertainty or possibility, avoiding definitive statements when the facts are not fully known. It softens claims and indicates open-mindedness.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple modal verbs in a single sentence. Using too many modals can make your writing sound hesitant and unclear. If you find yourself using "they may be possibly could", consider rephrasing for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they may be" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or uncertainty. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates something is potentially true but not definite. The modal verb "may" modifies the verb "be", softening the assertion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they may be" is a versatile modal phrase used to express possibility or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedic content, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When writing, it's best to use it when you want to soften a claim or indicate open-mindedness, and to avoid overuse or stringing it together with other modal verbs. Alternatives such as "it is possible that they are" or "they could be" can be used depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perhaps they are

A more direct and concise way to express uncertainty.

maybe they are

An even more informal way to express possibility.

they could be

Offers a slightly less formal alternative using a different modal verb.

they might be

Similar in meaning but with a slightly weaker sense of possibility.

it is possible that they are

Replaces the modal verb with a more explicit expression of possibility.

it's likely that they are

Indicates a higher probability compared to "may be".

there is a chance they are

Highlights the element of chance or uncertainty.

it is conceivable that they might be

Introduces a higher degree of uncertainty and formality.

it's plausible that they exist

Shifts the focus to the plausibility of their existence rather than a state of being.

it is not out of the question that they are

Emphasizes that the possibility is worth considering.

FAQs

What does "they may be" mean?

The phrase "they may be" indicates a possibility or uncertainty about the state or identity of something. It suggests that something is potentially true or could happen, but it is not definite.

How can I use "they may be" in a sentence?

You can use "they may be" to express a potential characteristic or condition, such as, "They may be late due to traffic" or "They may be the solution to our problem".

What are some alternatives to "they may be"?

Alternatives to "they may be" include phrases like "they could be", "it is possible that they are", or "perhaps they are", depending on the context and degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it better to use "they may be" or "they might be"?

Both "they may be" and "they might be" express possibility, but "may" often suggests a slightly higher degree of likelihood than "might". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.