we may well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we may well" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to suggest that something is likely or reasonable to consider. Example: "Given the current circumstances, we may well need to rethink our strategy moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We may well be at peak beard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And we may well get more.

The Guardian - Sport

But we may well yet move toward them.

The New Yorker

Indeed, we may well never regain them at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

We may well continue in the same vein".

The Guardian - Sport

We may well have a result by 4pm.

The Guardian

We may well be surprised by the answers.

The Guardian - Arts

We may well see the poacher's gambit deployed again.

The Guardian - Opinion

"And in some cases, we may well do that".

The New York Times

We may well be, and nothing would be less surprising.

The New York Times

"And we may well become upon such a time again".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we may well" to express a reasonable expectation or a strong possibility, especially when supported by evidence or logical reasoning. For example, "Given the increasing demand, we may well see prices rise soon."

Common error

While "we may well" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in very informal conversations where simpler phrases like "we probably will" or "we might" sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we may well" functions as a modal phrase expressing a high degree of probability or expectation. It indicates that something is quite likely to happen or be true, based on the available evidence or circumstances. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we may well" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong likelihood or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can be adapted to different registers. When writing, remember that this phrase serves to present a reasoned prediction or belief, suitable for both formal analyses and everyday discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we could well

Replaces "may" with "could", indicating a similar level of possibility but potentially slightly weaker.

we might well

Substitutes "may" with "might", suggesting a possibility that is perhaps a bit more uncertain.

it is likely that we will

Rephrases the expression to emphasize the likelihood using a more formal structure.

it is probable that we will

Emphasizes the probability of an event using "probable" instead of "likely".

we are likely to

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct expression of likelihood.

we are expected to

Shifts the focus to expectation, implying a degree of anticipation or planning.

we can anticipate

Indicates anticipation of an event, suggesting a proactive stance.

we should expect

Suggests that it is reasonable to anticipate something.

it's quite possible that we will

Adds emphasis to the possibility using "quite possible".

there's a good chance we will

Uses a more informal idiom to express a high probability.

FAQs

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

Use "we may well" to indicate a strong possibility or likelihood. For instance, "Considering the weather forecast, "we may well" postpone the event".

What phrases are similar to "we may well"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "we could well", "it is likely that we will", or "we are likely to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we may well" more formal than "we might"?

Generally, "we may well" carries a slightly more formal tone than simply saying "we might". The addition of "well" emphasizes the likelihood, making it suitable for professional or analytical contexts.

What is the difference between "we may well" and "we will"?

"We will" indicates a definite future action, while ""we may well"" suggests a strong possibility but not a certainty. The latter acknowledges a degree of uncertainty.