this may include

USAGE SUMMARY

"this may include" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to introduce a list of possible items that could be included in a certain category. For example: "This may include items such as a pencil, a ruler, and a calculator."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This may be supE44.

Yale University

In the area CA1, this may be 100,000 let's say this is 100,000 neurons.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This may take 24 to 48 hours.

University of California, Berkeley

This may take 2 to 5 submissions.

Cornell University

This may be 1 to 2 km wide.

Britannica

This may take 6 to 12 hours.

WikiHow

This may take 20 to 40 minutes.

WikiHow

This may take 1 to 3 weeks.

WikiHow

This may indicate G217B yeasts may survive the phagocyte oxidative burst better than G186A yeasts.

BMC Genomics

This may take 4-5 months under temperate conditions but the experience in Rwanda has been that 2-2.5 months is enough.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

This may cost £60 just for the consultation plus the price of the pen.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this may include", ensure that the items you list are genuinely potential components or aspects of the subject you are discussing. Avoid listing unrelated items.

Common error

Avoid using "this may include" as a filler phrase without providing specific or meaningful examples. If you can't provide concrete examples, consider rephrasing to be more general.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this may include" functions as an introductory phrase used to present a non-exhaustive list of potential elements or components related to a particular topic. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a common way to suggest possibilities without definitive assertion.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this may include" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a non-exhaustive list of potential elements or components. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase functions as an introductory phrase, suggesting possibility and providing examples in a neutral register. While the phrase is valid, it's important to consider context-specific alternatives for enhanced precision and clarity. The limited example count in the search results indicates the phrase's general applicability across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this could encompass

Replaces 'may' with 'could' and 'include' with 'encompass', suggesting a broader scope.

this might cover

Substitutes 'may' with 'might' and 'include' with 'cover', implying a potential range or extent.

this can feature

Changes 'may' to 'can' and 'include' to 'feature', indicating a possibility of something being a prominent aspect.

this potentially comprises

Replaces 'may' with 'potentially' and 'include' with 'comprises', highlighting a potential composition.

this possibly entails

Substitutes 'may' with 'possibly' and 'include' with 'entails', suggesting a possible consequence or requirement.

this is liable to contain

Changes 'may' to 'is liable to' and 'include' to 'contain', indicating a probability of something holding specific elements.

this is apt to incorporate

Replaces 'may' with 'is apt to' and 'include' with 'incorporate', implying a natural tendency to include something.

this has the capacity to involve

Substitutes 'may' with 'has the capacity to' and 'include' with 'involve', suggesting a potential for inclusion or participation.

this has potential to encompass

Changes 'may' to 'has potential to' and 'include' to 'encompass', indicating an ability to broadly cover or contain.

this extends to

Uses a different structure, suggesting that something reaches or covers specified items or concepts, instead of listing contents.

FAQs

How can I use "this may include" in a sentence?

Use "this may include" to introduce a list of possible components, features, or aspects of something. For example, "The application process may include an interview, a written test, and a portfolio review."

What are some alternatives to "this may include"?

You can use alternatives such as "this could encompass", "this might cover", or "this can feature" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "this may include" or "this includes"?

"This may include" suggests a possibility, while "this includes" implies a certainty or a complete listing. Use "this may include" when you're not providing an exhaustive list or when elements are subject to change. Using "this includes" suggests a comprehensive list.

When is it inappropriate to use "this may include"?

Avoid using "this may include" when you are providing a definitive and exhaustive list. In such cases, "this includes" or "this comprises" would be more accurate. It is also inappropriate if the listed items are not relevant to the subject.