they may get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they may get" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or likelihood of someone receiving or obtaining something. Example: "If they continue to work hard, they may get the promotion they have been hoping for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They may get worse.

The Economist

They may get that, sometimes.

The New York Times

They may get one anyway.

The Economist

They may get their way.

The Economist

They may get reversed.

The Guardian - Opinion

They may get furious with God.

The New Yorker

They may get away with it.

The Economist

"They may get some minor ministry.

The Guardian

Yes, they may get it back.

Independent

And they may get them.

The New York Times

They may get one yet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the subject 'they' is clearly defined and the context provides a clear understanding of what 'they may get'.

Common error

Avoid using "they may gets" as this violates subject-verb agreement. The correct form is always "they may get."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they may get" primarily functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or likelihood. The modal verb "may" indicates a degree of uncertainty regarding the action of "getting" something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they may get" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate possibility or likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, though more formal alternatives exist for academic or professional settings. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media sources, highlighting its role in discussing potential outcomes and future events. Remember to ensure subject-verb agreement and consider the level of certainty you wish to convey when using this phrase. Exploring alternatives through Ludwig can further refine your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they might obtain

Replaces "may" with "might" to express a slightly weaker possibility and "get" with "obtain" to sound more formal.

they could receive

Substitutes "may" with "could" to indicate possibility and "get" with "receive" for a slightly more formal tone.

they are likely to acquire

Uses "are likely to" to express a higher probability and "acquire" instead of "get" for a more formal nuance.

it's possible they'll gain

Introduces "it's possible" to emphasize uncertainty and replaces "get" with "gain".

they stand to gain

Emphasizes the potential benefit or advantage they might receive.

they have a chance to secure

Highlights the opportunity they have and uses "secure" for a more assertive tone.

it is conceivable they will obtain

Uses "it is conceivable" to express a remote possibility and "obtain" for formality.

they are in line to get

Suggests they are next in sequence or have met certain criteria to receive something.

they are eligible to receive

Indicates they meet the requirements for receiving something.

they are apt to get

Uses "apt to" to suggest a natural tendency or inclination to receive something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they may get" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "they might obtain" or "they are likely to acquire", which substitute "get" with more sophisticated vocabulary.

What's the difference between "they may get" and "they will get"?

"They may get" suggests a possibility that something will happen, while "they will get" indicates a higher degree of certainty. The choice depends on how confident you are in the outcome.

Is "they may get" appropriate for academic writing?

While "they may get" is grammatically correct, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Consider alternatives like "they could receive" or "they are eligible to receive" to enhance clarity and formality.

What are some common situations where "they may get" is used?

"They may get" is commonly used when discussing potential outcomes, possibilities, or opportunities, such as "If they study hard, "they may get" good grades" or "If they apply, "they may get" the job".