may be authorized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be authorized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing permissions or approvals that are possible but not guaranteed. Example: "Access to the confidential files may be authorized by the project manager under certain conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Access to the names may be authorized by the N.S.A.

The New York Times

Many more miles may be authorized in the coming weeks.

The New York Times

International peacekeeping forces may be authorized to keep warring parties apart pending further negotiations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

International peacekeeping forces may be authorized to keep warring parties apart pending further negotiations (see United Nations Peacekeeping Forces).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under federal health care privacy law, a few officials in an employer's human resources and accounts payable departments may be authorized to know who is participating.

The New York Times

For example, a broadcast radio or television station may be authorized to broadcast only in certain directions and only at certain times of the day.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Arrest may also be authorized in connection with other specialized civil proceedings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cable television companies may also be authorized to provide high-speed Internet service in the coming weeks, Mr. Ben-Eliezer said today.

The New York Times

Some of the institutional investors that own U S West stock may not be authorized to hold international shares, and any deal between U S West and the German company would not close until next year at the earliest.

The New York Times

Public hospital physicians may also be authorized to provide medical services as attending physicians in private hospitals.

Health Economics Review

Using these malicious techniques, the attacker would perform activities in the network for which the attacker may not be authorized.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be authorized", clearly state who or what is granting the authorization to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "may be authorized" when the action is already confirmed or guaranteed. Use stronger verbs like "is authorized" or "will be authorized" to reflect certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be authorized" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a potential action or permission granted by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms that is a grammatical construction which is supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be authorized" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey the possibility of permission or approval. It's frequently encountered in news, scientific publications, encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is correct and its usage indicates a contingent or potential action, rather than a guaranteed one. When using "may be authorized", ensure clarity by specifying who or what grants the authorization and be mindful not to use it when certainty is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be permitted

Replaces "authorized" with "permitted", implying a slightly less formal approval process.

might be allowed

Substitutes "authorized" with "allowed", suggesting a general allowance rather than a specific authorization.

can be sanctioned

Replaces "authorized" with "sanctioned", indicating a more official or regulatory approval.

could be validated

Emphasizes the aspect of confirmation or validation rather than explicit authorization.

may be endorsed

Replaces "authorized" with "endorsed", suggesting support or recommendation from a higher authority.

might be ratified

Indicates a formal approval process, often involving voting or official agreement.

can be commissioned

Suggests that something is being officially ordered or tasked to be done.

could be cleared

Indicates that an obstacle has been removed, and the action is now permissible.

might be licensed

Suggests the granting of a formal license to perform an action or operate something.

may be empowered

Indicates that someone or something is being given the power or authority to act.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be authorized" to express that something is possibly permitted or approved, such as: "Access to the building "may be authorized" with a valid employee ID".

What's the difference between "may be authorized" and "is authorized"?

"May be authorized" indicates a possibility or potential for authorization, whereas "is authorized" confirms that the authorization has already been granted. For example, "Further investigation "may be authorized" if new evidence emerges", versus "The expenditure "is authorized" by the board".

What can I say instead of "may be authorized"?

Alternatives include "could be permitted", "might be allowed", or "can be sanctioned", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In which contexts is "may be authorized" commonly used?

"May be authorized" is frequently used in legal, official, and formal contexts to indicate permissions, approvals, or actions that are possible but not yet certain. Examples include discussing government regulations, company policies, or research protocols.