may be augmented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be augmented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of increasing or enhancing something, such as a process, system, or feature. Example: "The software's capabilities may be augmented with additional plugins to improve functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His depth-charge basslines may be augmented by electronics, but they are still powerful enough to sculpt ear wax.

The Guardian - Music

Keep in mind that this menu may be augmented with a solution from that unlikeliest of sources: the employee.

Harvard Business Review

The results demonstrate that IL-8 production may be augmented upon the malignant transformation of hepatocytes in chronic hepatitis C.

Cancer Letters

In conclusion, our study suggests that postprandial GLP-1 and GIP responses in overweight patients with T2D may be augmented by GPR119 activation.

Nature

Hence, NKT cell activity may be augmented by lenalidomide if the NKT cells were independently activated through coadministration of αGalCer, or endogenously by self-agonist glycolipids.

Nature

Classroom discussion of these topics may be augmented by online discussion software through which students will have one-on-one exchanges about issues in the course.

Harvard University

In the not so distant future, residential PV may be augmented with onsite storage (as suggested by Tesla's announcement this week of its Powerwall home battery system).

University of California, Berkeley

We also find that, in addition to this set of variables, early warning indicator systems for emerging countries may be augmented with capital flow indicators.

Emerging Markets Review

The collapse inhibiting mechanism may be augmented with energy dissipation devices (small viscous fluid or visco-elastic solid dampers) to enhance performance under wind or small seismic events.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Fibrin, widely used as a surgical sealant, is one such matrix that may be augmented by the addition of protein factors to promote cell infiltration and differentiation.

Biomaterials

We then introduce a series of coupled p-enrichment schemes that may be used as standalone dynamic p-enrichment strategies, or may be augmented via any in the family of variable-in-p slope limiters presented.

Journal of Computational Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be augmented", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being increased or enhanced and what is contributing to the augmentation. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "may be augmented" in contexts where simpler alternatives like "can be increased" or "might be improved" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be augmented" functions as a passive verb phrase expressing the potential for something to be increased, enhanced, or supplemented. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

Academia

15%

News & Media

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be augmented" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase indicating the potential for enhancement or increase. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is particularly prevalent in scientific and academic writing, suggesting a formal register. While alternatives like "could be enhanced" or "might be supplemented" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the subject of augmentation and the means of enhancement are clearly defined. Overuse in simple contexts should be avoided to maintain a clear and concise writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be enhanced

Changes the modal verb from "may" to "could", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

might be supplemented

Replaces "augmented" with "supplemented", implying an addition of something extra rather than a direct increase.

can be increased

Uses "can" instead of "may", indicating a possibility based on ability rather than likelihood and substitutes "augmented" for the more direct "increased".

can be expanded

Replaces "augmented" with "expanded", suggesting a broadening or extension of something.

might be enriched

Changes "augmented" to "enriched", focusing on improving the quality or value of something.

can be complemented

Replaces "augmented" with "complemented", indicating that something is being enhanced by adding something that completes or enhances it.

could be amplified

Replaces "augmented" with "amplified", suggesting an increase in intensity or effect.

may be strengthened

Changes "augmented" to "strengthened", focusing on making something more robust or resilient.

may be upgraded

Replaces "augmented" with "upgraded", suggesting an improvement to a higher standard.

may be fortified

Changes "augmented" to "fortified", implying that something is being strengthened or reinforced.

FAQs

What does "may be augmented" mean?

"May be augmented" means that something has the potential to be increased, enhanced, or supplemented. It suggests a possibility for improvement or expansion.

When is it appropriate to use "may be augmented" in writing?

Use "may be augmented" when you want to express the potential for something to be improved or increased, especially in formal or scientific contexts. Simpler language is usually better when writing for general audiences.

What are some alternatives to "may be augmented"?

You can use alternatives like "could be enhanced", "might be supplemented", or "can be increased" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "may be augmented" differ from "may be enhanced"?

While both phrases suggest improvement, "may be augmented" implies that something is being added to increase its effectiveness, while "may be enhanced" generally refers to improving the existing qualities or features. The distinction is subtle, but "augmented" implies addition, while "enhanced" implies refinement.