may be apprehended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be apprehended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that something can be understood or perceived, often in a formal or literary sense. Example: "The complexities of human emotions may be apprehended through careful observation and reflection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It may be apprehended from the simulation results that the proposed QOHS based PID controller is more efficient to minimize the effect of continuous SLP.

International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems

He therefore proposed that "pleasure" picks out momentary experiences not by any specific introspected quality but rather by their intrinsic desirability, as may be apprehended at the time of experiencing (Sidgwick 1907, pp. 125-31).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If there is intrinsic, or embodied, meaning, one may well ask what meaning is embodied and how it is to be apprehended.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also must be apprehended.

The New York Times

They have to be apprehended.

The New York Times

The ninth man was expected to be apprehended soon.

The New York Times

Should a man be apprehended for saying, "Hey, baby"?

The Economist

One cannot apprehend something that is not there to be apprehended.

SEP

According to the finding, toxoplasmosis might be apprehended to be also a sexually transmitted disease.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

He was apprehended May 26.

Los Angeles Times

This may make them feel more susceptible to being apprehended when an alarm sounds.

Crime Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be apprehended" when you want to convey a sense of formal understanding or perception, particularly in academic or philosophical contexts. It suggests a thoughtful grasping of a concept.

Common error

Avoid using "may be apprehended" in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "can be understood" or "might be seen" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound stilted or pretentious if used in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be apprehended" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potential for something to be understood or perceived. It's often used to express that something is capable of being grasped through careful observation or thought. Ludwig AI also confirms it's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

News & Media

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be apprehended" is a formal way of expressing that something can be understood or perceived. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests that it functions as a modal verb phrase, typically used in academic, philosophical, or scientific contexts. While grammatically sound, it's relatively rare in everyday language, and simpler alternatives like "can be understood" are often more appropriate for informal settings. The phrase's formal register makes it well-suited for conveying a sense of thoughtful or careful understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be understood

This is a more direct and common alternative, replacing "may be" with "can be".

might be grasped

This alternative suggests a more active effort to understand something.

could be perceived

This focuses on the act of perceiving rather than understanding.

can be discerned

This implies careful observation to detect something not immediately obvious.

may be realized

This suggests that something might become apparent or clear.

might be ascertained

This is a more formal alternative, implying a process of finding something out for certain.

can potentially be realized

This adds emphasis to the possibility of understanding.

may become apparent

This focuses on the gradual revealing of something.

might be deciphered

This implies that something is hidden or encoded and needs to be interpreted.

may be gathered

This implies an understanding that is formed by collecting information.

FAQs

What does "may be apprehended" mean?

The phrase "may be apprehended" means that something can be understood, grasped, or perceived. It suggests a possibility of comprehension, often in a formal or thoughtful way.

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

It's suitable for formal writing, philosophical discussions, or academic contexts where you want to convey a sense of thoughtful understanding. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives are usually preferred.

What are some alternatives to "may be apprehended"?

Alternatives include "can be understood", "might be grasped", or "could be perceived", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "may be apprehended" differ from "can be understood"?

"May be apprehended" is more formal and suggests a thoughtful or careful understanding. "Can be understood" is more direct and generally applicable to a wider range of contexts.