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HUBLOT Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

It may be that XXX does something

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/mood-news-fast-food-162300997.html
So it may be that people with depression are turning to [fast food] for relief.

Does "It may be that XXX does something" mean "XXX may do something"?
  

Top answer

Here, "may" indicates a theory, a possibility. The research performed revealed the possibility that people who eat fast food "were 51 percent more likely to develop depression", but there were limits to the analysis, and a clear "cause and effect" was not shown. Therefore, the authors can not say for certain.

— JohnParis

  • Here, "may" indicates a theory, a possibility.
  • The research performed revealed the possibility that people who eat fast food "were 51 percent more likely to develop depression", but there were limits to the analysis, and a clear "cause and effect" was not shown.
  • Therefore, the authors can not say for certain.
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4 Answers
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Here, "may" indicates a theory, a possibility.
The research performed revealed the possibility that people who eat fast food "were 51 percent more likely to develop depression", but there were limits to the analysis, and a clear "cause and effect" was not shown. Therefore, the authors can not say for certain.
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Thank you, John.

Would it be correct to say "people with depression may be turning to [fast food] for relief" in place of "it may be that people with depression are turning to [fast food] for relief"?
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In terms of correct English, both sentences are acceptable.
Whether or not it's a fact remains to be seen. You should do your own study :-)
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