may be built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be built" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the possibility of construction or creation of something in the future. Example: "The new community center may be built next year if funding is approved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is talk that a large casino may be built.

The New York Times

But disappointment may be built into the film's premise.

The New York Times

Provision for a flash may be built in.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even fewer may be built as homebuilding slumps.

The Economist

In the end, no one is ruling out the possibility that both bridges may be built.

The New York Times

"The effect may be built in at a very early stage in life.

The Guardian

Some of us, like Ms West perhaps, may be built bigger than average.

The Guardian - Books

Large ignitron devices may be built inside vacuum tanks instead of tube envelopes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Storage tanks for produced oil may be built into the underwater base section.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Small electronic flash units may be built into or clipped onto the camera.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A second plant of similar design may be built at Flamanville in France.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose this phrase when you want to convey that building something is a plausible option, not a certainty. Consider that the modality expressed may change the tone and the degree of likelihood.

Common error

Avoid using "may be built" when the construction is already confirmed or underway; instead, opt for phrases like "is being built" or "will be built" to accurately reflect the current status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be built" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential for future construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It presents a scenario that is contingent on certain conditions or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be built" is a grammatically correct and commonly used modal passive construction that expresses a possibility or potential for future construction. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears frequently in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When writing, it's important to consider the level of certainty you want to convey and choose this phrase when construction is possible but not guaranteed, differentiating it from stronger assertions like "will be built".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be constructed

Replaces "may" with "could", indicating a similar level of possibility but potentially a slightly lower degree of certainty.

might be erected

Substitutes "may" with "might" and "built" with "erected", offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the sense of possibility.

potentially be constructed

Adds the adverb "potentially" to emphasize the possibility of construction.

is capable of being built

Shifts the focus to the capability of something being built, rather than the likelihood.

has the possibility to be constructed

Expresses the idea as a potential or chance for construction.

can be assembled

Replaces "built" with "assembled", suggesting a more modular or piecemeal construction process.

is liable to be built

Suggests a stronger likelihood or tendency for construction to occur.

is scheduled for construction

Implies that construction is planned or expected to happen.

is under consideration for building

Focuses on the planning stage, indicating that the building is being considered but not yet confirmed.

is being planned

Highlights the active planning process for potential construction.

FAQs

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

Use "may be built" to indicate the possibility of a future construction. For example: "A new stadium "may be built" if the city wins the bid."

What is a good alternative to "may be built"?

Alternatives include "could be constructed", "might be erected", or "potentially be constructed", depending on the level of formality and certainty you want to convey.

Is "may be build" grammatically correct?

No, the correct form is "may be built". "Built" is the past participle of "build" and is required after the auxiliary verb "be" in this passive construction.

What is the difference between "may be built" and "will be built"?

"May be built" expresses a possibility or uncertainty about future construction, whereas "will be built" indicates a firm plan or certainty that the construction will occur.