may be acknowledged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be acknowledged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is possible to recognize or accept, often in formal or academic contexts. Example: "The contributions of previous researchers may be acknowledged in the final report to give credit where it is due."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Grant or contribution numbers may be acknowledged.

Nature

In subsistence societies, even though some dancers or singers may be acknowledged as especially talented, everyone participates in the arts.

University of California, Berkeley

The three-person panel, with high-ranking members of the C.I.A., the State Department and the National Security Council, has the power to decide whether covert operations may be acknowledged by the United States Government.

The New York Times

On another, it could mean that in practice, as the Trump administration governs, we will see something like what happened under George W. Bush: The issue may be acknowledged at times, but not treated with a lot of urgency.

The Washington Post

The user is often unaware of the practice, although it may be acknowledged somewhere deep within the fine print of the license that users are supposed to read and accept before installation.

The New York Times - Tech

Under this view, the best indication of voter sentiment at any given time is probably the polling — although it may be acknowledged or expected that the results will change rapidly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Comcast may be acknowledging that mobile and digital video consumption are the wave of the future and responding to recent moves by wireless providers.

Forbes

In that sense, Uber may be acknowledging where it's getting beaten, and instead looking to pick up stakes in those companies as a hedge on its ability to expand globally.

TechCrunch

By now opening up the seatback screens to passengers, the carrier may be acknowledging that its era of satellite-powered seatback televisions is about to be over – and that for this last chapter, passengers can enjoy the ride.

Forbes

Willie Nelson may be acknowledging both his own and country music's debt to Broadway and Tin Pan Alley, but he's also showing these hallowed musical institutions how the country makes their music its own".

Wikipedia

Carl Baker, a retired Air Force officer and director of the Pacific Forum CSIS in Honolulu, says Trump may be acknowledging a reality that other politicians have been loath to admit — that the U.S. presence in the Pacific is not sustainable over the long term.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be acknowledged" in academic writing, ensure that the acknowledgment is specific and directly relevant to the point being made. Avoid vague or generic acknowledgments.

Common error

Avoid using "may be acknowledged" in casual or informal writing where simpler phrases like "might be known" or "could be seen" would be more appropriate. The phrase is generally better suited for formal or academic tones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be acknowledged" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential recognition. It's often used to introduce a point that is conceivable but not definitively established. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be acknowledged" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the possibility of recognition or acceptance, predominantly in formal and academic contexts. While considered correct, it is less common and more suited for scholarly writing than everyday conversation. As Ludwig AI points out, it is important to be precise in its usage. Its related phrases offer alternatives that adjust the degree of certainty or the type of recognition implied. Common pitfalls include overuse in informal settings, where simpler language is preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be recognized

Replaces "may" with "could", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

possibly be recognized

Adds "possibly" for emphasis on the uncertainty.

potentially be recognized

Adds "potentially" to emphasize the possibility.

might be admitted

Substitutes "acknowledged" with "admitted", implying a concession or reluctant acceptance.

can be recognized

Replaces "may" with "can", indicating a possibility based on ability or capacity.

might be identified

Substitutes "acknowledged" with "identified", highlighting recognition through discovery.

could be validated

Substitutes "acknowledged" with "validated", implying confirmation of accuracy or legitimacy.

might be conceded

Similar to "might be admitted", but often carries a stronger sense of reluctance.

can be owned

Changes the meaning from acknowledgement to accepting ownership

can be appreciated

Changes the meaning from acknowledgement to show gratitude.

FAQs

How can I use "may be acknowledged" in a sentence?

You can use "may be acknowledged" to suggest a possibility of recognition or acceptance. For instance, "The limitations of this study "may be acknowledged" in the discussion section".

What are some alternatives to "may be acknowledged"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could be recognized", "might be admitted", or "can be identified", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "may be acknowledged" formal or informal?

"May be acknowledged" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, you might opt for phrases like "might be known" or "could be seen".

When is it appropriate to use "may be acknowledged"?

It's appropriate to use "may be acknowledged" in formal writing, academic papers, or professional reports where you want to express that something has the potential to be recognized or accepted. Be mindful of overuse in casual conversation.