may be added

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be added" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something may potentially be included or included at a later time in a sentence or piece of writing. Example: In this recipe, salt may be added to taste.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Africa may be added later.

The New York Times

As usual, it may be added.

The New York Times

Other languages may be added next year.

The New York Times - Sports

(Water may be added for joyful smearing).

The New York Times - Arts

New components may be added.

The New York Times

(Canned beans may be added without cooking).

The New York Times - Food

The Zurich name may be added to Universal's brand.

The New York Times

Other charities may be added in the future.

The Guardian

Television watching may be added to the schedule soon.

The New York Times

(Other countries may be added to or substituted for these).

The New York Times

Removal for Micro Bill Systems software may be added.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be added", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being added and under what conditions it might occur. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "may be added" in situations where an active voice would be more direct and engaging. Consider whether specifying who or what is doing the adding would improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be added" functions as a passive construction, indicating a potential action that can be performed on a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It suggests a possibility rather than a certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be added" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that indicates a potential action or inclusion. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to express a possibility rather than a certainty. The phrase is versatile and appears across various contexts, including news, science, encyclopedias and wiki sources. While alternatives like "could be included" or "might be appended" exist, "may be added" offers a clear and concise way to suggest the potential for something to be added. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that the context clearly defines what is being added and under what conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be included

This alternative uses "could" instead of "may", suggesting a slightly lower probability of inclusion.

might be appended

"Appended" suggests adding something to the end, specifying the location of the addition, while "added" is more general.

can be incorporated

"Incorporated" implies a more integrated inclusion, rather than a simple addition.

potentially included

This option uses an adjective to convey possibility, instead of a modal verb.

could be supplemented

"Supplemented" means adding something to enhance or complete, indicating a specific purpose for the addition.

is subject to addition

This alternative highlights the conditionality or possibility of something being added, often depending on certain factors or requirements.

is liable to be added

"Liable" indicates a probability or tendency for something to be added, often due to certain circumstances.

is open to inclusion

This suggests that something is currently able to be added, but this does not guarantee its addition.

may feature as an addition

This option focuses on featuring something specific as an extra element or add-on.

remains a possible addition

This phrase emphasizes that the addition is still only a possibility.

FAQs

How do you use "may be added" in a sentence?

The phrase "may be added" indicates a possibility of inclusion. For example, "Additional ingredients "may be added" depending on your preference" suggests that you have the option to include more ingredients.

What are some alternatives to "may be added"?

You can use alternatives such as "could be included", "might be appended", or "can be incorporated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "may be add" instead of "may be added"?

No, "may be add" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""may be added"", where "added" is the past participle of the verb "add". Using "add" without the "-ed" suffix is not appropriate in this passive construction.

What's the difference between "may be added" and "will be added"?

"May be added" indicates a possibility or uncertainty, while "will be added" implies a definite future action. The former suggests something might happen, while the latter confirms it will happen.