may be accessed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be accessed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is available for use or retrieval, often in a formal or technical context. Example: "The database may be accessed by authorized personnel only."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The AMCAS application may be accessed in May and submitted in early June.

Columbia University

Clone sequences may be accessed in GenBank under accession nos.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Microarray data may be accessed at the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus GEOO) database (accession # GSE15947).

BMC Genomics

Download statistics may be accessed here.

Harvard University

The application may be accessed here.

Columbia University

Memorial information may be accessed at: www.caringbridge.org under laurenbeam.

The New York Times

The UBMTA implementing letter may be accessed here.

University of Pennsylvania

The report may be accessed with the menu above.

Stanford University

Electronic course reserves may be accessed via Blackboard.

Princeton University

Her music may be accessed on https://soundcloud.com/cindy-cox.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Posted here pursuant to RCW 39.34.040, these agreements may be accessed by clicking on their names.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for this phrase in formal or technical writing, where a degree of formality is desired. For casual contexts, consider "can be accessed".

Common error

Avoid using "may be accessed" if access is guaranteed. "Is accessible" would be more appropriate if the information is available without any conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be accessed" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of gaining entry to or using something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

52%

Science

37%

News & Media

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be accessed" is a grammatically correct and common construction used to express the possibility of accessing something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence across diverse contexts. It is particularly frequent in academic and scientific writing, conveying a formal tone. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context makes clear what or who can access the resource and under what conditions. While similar to "can be accessed", "may be accessed" carries a nuance of formality or permission. By understanding these subtle differences, writers can effectively communicate the availability of information or resources in a precise and appropriate manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be accessed

Uses a different auxiliary verb to express the same possibility.

is accessible

Replaces the passive voice with an adjective indicating accessibility.

is available for access

Adds a prepositional phrase for emphasis.

can be obtained

Focuses on the act of obtaining rather than accessing.

is retrievable

Uses a more formal adjective to indicate the ability to retrieve something.

is obtainable

Uses a more formal adjective to indicate the ability to obtain something.

is open to access

Emphasizes the openness or lack of restriction.

one can access

Changes the structure to an active voice construction with "one".

access is possible

Expresses the possibility of access using a different word order.

it is possible to access

Uses an impersonal construction to express possibility.

FAQs

What does "may be accessed" mean?

The phrase "may be accessed" indicates that something is available and it is possible to gain entry or use it. It does not guarantee access, but rather suggests a permission or possibility.

When should I use "may be accessed" instead of "can be accessed"?

While both phrases are similar, "may be accessed" often implies a degree of formality or politeness. "Can be accessed" is generally more direct. Use "may be accessed" when implying permission or possibility in a formal context and use "can be accessed" when you want a neutral or less formal way to say it.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "may be accessed"?

Alternatives include "is accessible", "can be obtained", or "is available for access" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "may have accessed" and "may be accessed"?

"May have accessed" refers to a past action that might have occurred, meaning someone possibly gained entry or used something in the past. "May be accessed" refers to the present or future possibility of something being available for entry or use. For example: "The data may have accessed /s/may+have+accessed by unauthorized users last week" vs "The data /s/may+be+accessed by authorized personnel only.