may be cancelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be cancelled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the possibility of being cancelled, often in contexts like events, appointments, or services. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the meeting may be cancelled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The Oscars may be cancelled, too.

The Guardian

An extra 10,000 places are to be dished out (though not for arty types), yet all face the dismal possibility that freshers' week may be cancelled.

The Guardian

A spokesman warned that flights expected to leave the airport this afternoon may be cancelled or delayed because of the adverse conditions.

The Guardian

But when the drop cable gets badly tangled, filming grinds to a halt and it looks like the show may be cancelled.

The Guardian - Tech

Seven of the 12 meetings have been held, and each has registered a unanimous "no" to the project, which makes it look likely that the mine may be cancelled, losing Vedanta a $7bn investment.

The Guardian

The building industry anticipates that a quarter of transport ministry projects may be cancelled in 2004, threatening 70,000 construction jobs.In this section Two-faced capitalism Triumph of the twins Boeing down, again Psst.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

(The fair, which is free, may be canceled if there is heavy rain).

The New York Times - Books

Because of the attacks on Manhattan, some events may be canceled.

The New York Times

The Globes ceremony may be canceled, but for Mr. Keilly, the swag must go on.

The New York Times - Arts

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks this week, some events may be canceled.

The New York Times

Mr. Cavallo has not yet specified which tax reductions may be canceled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be cancelled", ensure that the context clearly indicates the conditions or reasons that could lead to the cancellation. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "may be cancelled" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing with an active voice construction if appropriate for a more direct tone. Example: 'The organizers may cancel the event' instead of 'The event may be cancelled'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be cancelled" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential future event. As Ludwig AI points out, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be cancelled" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express the possibility of cancellation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's used across various contexts, including news reports, scientific articles, and general announcements, although most of the contexts are future oriented. While versatile, being mindful of the potential for passive voice overuse is important. Alternatives such as "might be cancelled" or "could be cancelled" can provide subtle variations in tone or emphasis. Awareness of context ensures effective communication when conveying the potential for something to be called off.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be called off

Replaces "cancelled" with a phrasal verb synonym, maintaining the sense of potential termination.

could be rescinded

Substitutes "may" with "could" and "cancelled" with a more formal term, suggesting a decision might be reversed.

is subject to cancellation

Transforms the phrase into a passive construction, emphasizing the possibility of cancellation.

is liable to be terminated

Uses a stronger term, "terminated", and indicates a higher probability of cancellation.

is at risk of being abandoned

Shifts the focus to the potential abandonment of something, implying cancellation.

is in danger of being dropped

Emphasizes the precariousness of something, suggesting it might be cancelled.

is potentially nullified

Uses a formal term to suggest something might be rendered invalid, similar to cancellation.

is open to being revoked

Indicates that a decision or agreement can be taken back, like cancelling it.

faces possible abandonment

Highlights the uncertainty and potential for cancellation.

is under threat of being scrapped

Suggests the possibility of complete removal or cancellation.

FAQs

What does "may be cancelled" mean?

The phrase "may be cancelled" indicates that there is a possibility that something will be called off or terminated. It suggests uncertainty but implies a real chance of cancellation.

Which is more formal, "may be cancelled" or "might be cancelled"?

Both "may be cancelled" and "might be cancelled" are fairly neutral in tone, with "may" often perceived as slightly more formal than "might". The difference is minimal and context-dependent.

What are some alternatives to "may be cancelled"?

You can use phrases such as "could be cancelled", "is subject to cancellation", or "is liable to be terminated" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

How do I use "may be cancelled" correctly in a sentence?

Use "may be cancelled" to express the possibility of an event, appointment, or service being called off. For example: "The concert may be cancelled due to inclement weather" or "Your appointment may be cancelled if you arrive more than 15 minutes late."