may be caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be caught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the possibility of someone or something being captured or apprehended. Example: "If the thief continues to commit crimes in the area, he may be caught by the police soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"To sing the world back into being", as Macfarlane puts it, "that static things", as Nan Shepherd wrote, "may be caught in the very act of becoming".

The Guardian - Books

The house may be caught in a bitter divorce.

The New York Times

In the West Coast fishery for Dungeness crab, only males may be caught and sold.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Movies, plays and books may be caught in the worst bind.

The New York Times

Herrings may be caught with drift nets and surrounding nets (mostly seine nets or trawls).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Five tons of fish may be caught when the three-story cylinder is twisted closed.

The New York Times

If G.E. is any guide, even the unsuspecting may be caught up in the credit crisis.

The New York Times

Conflicts can emerge and escalate quickly, and before you know it, you may be caught in the middle of one.

Columbia University

And if insurers are unable to meet their liabilities and go bust, the banks may be caught short.

The Economist

If two teenagers team up to rob a grocery store, for example, both may be caught and charged with burglary.

The Economist

But "Cowboys & Aliens" may be caught in a web of false expectation that was partly woven from its own origins.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be caught", consider the context and whether a stronger or weaker possibility is intended. Alternatives like "might be" or "could be" can subtly alter the nuance.

Common error

While "may be caught" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make writing sound weak or indirect. Consider whether an active voice construction would be more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be caught" functions as a passive construction, indicating a possibility of someone or something being captured, apprehended, or affected by an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be caught" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express the possibility of capture, apprehension, or involvement in a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, consider the subtle nuances of alternatives like "might be caught" or "could be caught" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Be mindful of overusing the passive voice, and tailor your choice based on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be apprehended

Indicates a slightly lower probability of being caught compared to "may be caught".

could be captured

Focuses more on the act of capturing, suggesting a more active pursuit.

risk being caught

Highlights the element of risk associated with the possibility of being caught.

are liable to be caught

Implies a legal or formal responsibility that increases the chance of being caught.

potentially be intercepted

Suggests a deliberate act of stopping or preventing something in transit.

face the possibility of being caught

Emphasizes the potential consequences of an action, adding a layer of seriousness.

conceivably be discovered

Focuses on the act of finding something that was hidden or unknown.

find oneself ensnared

Uses metaphorical language to describe being trapped or caught in a difficult situation.

run the risk of detection

Highlights the chance of being found out, particularly in situations involving secrecy.

are at risk of being compromised

Indicates a potential security breach or vulnerability that could lead to exposure.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "may be caught" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "are liable to be caught" or "could potentially be intercepted". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "may be caught" imply about the likelihood of something happening?

"May be caught" suggests a possibility, but not a certainty. It indicates that there's a chance of someone or something being captured or discovered, but it's not guaranteed. Similar phrases such as "might be apprehended" can also be used to express the same sentiment.

Is there a difference between "may be caught" and "might be caught"?

The difference between "may be caught" and "might be caught" is subtle, with "might" often implying a slightly lower probability than "may". However, in many contexts, they are interchangeable.

What are some alternatives to "may be caught" that emphasize risk?

If you want to emphasize the risk involved, you could use phrases like "risk being caught" or "run the risk of detection". These alternatives highlight the potential negative consequences.