may be charged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be charged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is a possibility of incurring a fee or cost for a service or item. Example: "Customers may be charged a fee for late returns of rented equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Three schoolboys may be charged.

The Guardian

No-shows may be charged the full fare.

The New York Times - Travel

Otherwise you may be charged hefty transaction fees.

The New York Times

Ofcom has since clarified that some mobile phone users may be charged.

The Guardian - Money

Depending on the nature of the services, additional fees may be charged.

The New York Times

Some may be charged with crimes stemming from gang activity; others will simply face deportation hearings.

The New York Times

And if a card is not used often enough, inactivity fees may be charged.

The New York Times

You may be charged a premium for the text or call.

The Guardian

The police said the officer was immediately disarmed and arrested, and may be charged with murder.

The New York Times

The teenager's mother may be charged with felony injury to a child by omission.

The New York Times

Calls on these phones may be charged to calling cards, or a plan may be established with WorldCell.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be charged", ensure the context clearly indicates the conditions under which the charge is applied. Be specific about what triggers the potential fee or charge to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "may be charged" excessively, as it can make your writing sound vague. Use active voice when possible to specify who is imposing the charge and who is responsible for paying it, clarifying responsibility and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be charged" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potential action. It suggests that a fee, cost, or legal action is not definite but could occur under specific conditions. Ludwig examples showcase its use across varied contexts, such as fees, legal charges, and service costs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be charged" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating the possibility of incurring a fee, cost, or legal consequence. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts, ranging from legal notices to service agreements. As highlighted by the Ludwig examples, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources. When using "may be charged", clarity is crucial; specifying the conditions under which charges apply ensures transparency and prevents misunderstandings. While alternatives like "could be billed" or "might be assessed" offer subtle variations in meaning, "may be charged" remains a standard and effective way to communicate potential liabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be billed

Replaces "may" with "could", indicating a slightly lower probability.

could potentially be charged

Adds the word 'potentially' to suggest the charge is not certain, indicating more uncertainty.

might be assessed

Uses "might" instead of "may", suggesting a possibility that is less definite and employs "assessed" to refer to the act of calculating and imposing a charge.

could incur a fee

Focuses on the action of incurring a fee rather than the direct charge.

might face charges

Specifically refers to potential legal charges, adding a legal connotation.

could be subjected to a fee

Emphasizes the act of being subjected to a fee, implying a formal process.

may become liable for

Focuses on the liability aspect, especially in legal or financial contexts.

might be required to pay

Highlights the obligation to pay, making it more direct.

could be held responsible for

Emphasizes responsibility for a charge or fee, often used in accountability scenarios.

may have to bear the cost of

Highlights the obligation to 'bear' the financial burden, changing the focus slightly.

FAQs

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

Use "may be charged" to indicate a possibility of incurring a fee or cost. For example: "Customers "may be charged" a fee for late returns."

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

You can use alternatives like "could be billed", "might be assessed", or "could incur a fee" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "may be charged" or "will be charged"?

"May be charged" indicates a possibility, while "will be charged" indicates certainty. Use ""may be charged"" when the fee is conditional and "will be charged" when the fee is guaranteed under certain circumstances.

What's the difference between "may be charged" and "can be charged"?

"May be charged" implies permission or possibility based on rules, while "can be charged" implies ability or capacity. In most contexts related to fees, ""may be charged"" is the more appropriate choice, indicating that the fee is permissible under certain conditions.