they may even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they may even" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something is possible or likely to happen, often with an element of surprise or emphasis. Example: "If we work hard, they may even consider us for the promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They may even be right.

The New York Times

They may even be hip.

The New York Times

They may even lie.

The Guardian

They may even die.

The Guardian - Arts

Sometimes, they may even have good results.

The Economist

They may even be allowed to speak.

The Economist

They may even be regaining it.

The Economist

They may even economise on safety.

The Economist

They may even have a point.

The Economist

They may even be making matters worse.

The Economist

They may even surprise you a lot.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they may even" to introduce a surprising or unexpected possibility that builds upon a previous statement. It adds emphasis and a sense of escalation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "they may even" repeatedly in formal writing or academic papers. Overuse can make your writing sound less authoritative and more speculative. Consider using more precise language to convey the level of certainty you intend.

Linguistic Context

They may even functions as a modal phrase, indicating a possibility or likelihood, often with an element of surprise or emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in English, introducing scenarios that extend beyond initial expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they may even" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an additional, often surprising, possibility. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, media, scientific and wiki contexts. While suitable for many situations, formal writing may sometimes benefit from more precise alternatives. The phrase functions as a modal, adding nuance and emphasis to potential outcomes, and its neutral register makes it widely applicable. Remember to use "they may even" to effectively highlight possibilities that extend beyond initial expectations, but avoid overuse in highly formal settings. It is a common phrase in English with a clear, recognizable meaning. When you want to introduce an idea that is surprising or adds to a previous statement, "they may even" will serve you well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they could also

Suggests an additional possibility or option.

there's a chance they could

Simple rephrasing using "chance" to denote possibility.

they might just

Indicates a slightly higher probability than "they may", suggesting a potential surprise.

it is also possible that they

Rephrases the idea using "possible", adding a degree of formality.

it is also likely they

Expresses likelihood, suggesting a good probability.

they could conceivably

Stresses the theoretical possibility of something occurring.

it's conceivable they might

Emphasizes the possibility, implying a non-zero chance but not necessarily likelihood.

perhaps they will

Introduces a note of uncertainty or speculation about a future event.

it is not out of the question that they

Indicates a possibility that was perhaps previously doubted.

it's not impossible for them to

Underlines the feasibility of an action or event.

FAQs

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

Use "they may even" to introduce a surprising or additional possibility. For example, "If the company performs well this quarter, "they may even" give out bonuses".

What are some alternatives to "they may even"?

Alternatives include "they could also", "it is also possible that they", or "there's a chance they could", depending on the context.

Is "they may even" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they may even" is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "it is also likely they" for greater precision.

What's the difference between "they may even" and "they might even"?

The difference is subtle, but "may" suggests a slightly higher probability or possibility than "might". Both are used to introduce something that could happen, but "may" implies a slightly stronger chance.