may be changed

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be changed" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the possibility that something will change in the future. For example: "As the economy continues to improve, inflation rates may be changed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some products being offered may be changed as demand dictates.

The New York Times

"The whole system of real estate agencies and commissions may be changed," he wrote.

The New York Times

The town may be changed, but the well cannot be changed.It neither decreases nor increases.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"And with the Tudor look gone, the name may be changed".

The New York Times

If popular contents called 'killer apps' are developed, the life patterns of users may be changed.

The Guardian - Tech

The title may be changed, but it is almost ready to be delivered to the agent.

The New York Times

Why proceed with a campaign that may be changed or discontinued by a new owner?

The New York Times

Then a plan to alter the process by which the constitution may be changed also failed.

The Economist

Colour also may be changed by the type of sand used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sometimes the limit or "cap" may be changed through referendum or by special legislative action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His mind may be changed, though, by a new driver he is supposed to receive in mid-September.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be changed" when expressing a possibility or potential for alteration, not a certainty. Ensure the context clearly indicates who or what has the authority to make the change.

Common error

While "may be changed" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider if an active voice construction (e.g., "Someone may change...") would be more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be changed" primarily functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the potential for something to undergo alteration. As Ludwig AI suggests, the construction is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be changed" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the possibility of future alteration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase, appearing frequently across various contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related sources. While "may be changed" effectively communicates uncertainty, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider active alternatives when appropriate. For related expressions, "could be altered", "might be modified", and "can be adjusted" offer similar meanings with subtle nuances. Overall, "may be changed" is a reliable phrase for expressing potential modifications, but its effectiveness depends on the clarity and context of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be altered

This alternative suggests possibility, similar to "may", but uses "altered" which implies a more significant change.

might be modified

Using "might" instead of "may" maintains the sense of possibility, while "modified" implies adjustments rather than a complete transformation.

can be adjusted

"Can be adjusted" indicates a capability or permission to change something, shifting the focus slightly from possibility to ability.

is subject to modification

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the likelihood of change based on external factors or rules.

is liable to be revised

This alternative implies a formal or official process of change, often associated with documents or plans.

is open to revision

This suggests that changes are welcome and expected, implying a flexible approach.

could be different

This is a more general statement expressing that something has the potential for variation from a current state or norm.

is potentially variable

This option is more technical, suggesting inherent instability or susceptibility to change.

can undergo transformation

This indicates a fundamental shift in form or nature, a more dramatic change than simply being altered.

is susceptible to variation

This suggests an external influence causing the change, indicating a lack of inherent stability.

FAQs

How to use "may be changed" in a sentence?

Use "may be changed" to indicate a possibility of future alteration, for example: "The project timeline "may be changed" due to unforeseen circumstances."

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

You can use alternatives like "could be altered", "might be modified", or "can be adjusted" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "may be changed" or "might be changed"?

Both ""may be changed"" and "might be modified" are grammatically correct and express possibility. "May" suggests a slightly higher probability or permissibility than "might."

What's the difference between "may be changed" and "will be changed"?

"May be changed" indicates a possibility, whereas "will be changed" expresses a definite intention or certainty about the change happening.