may be clarified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be clarified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is subject to further explanation or elaboration. Example: "The terms of the agreement may be clarified in the upcoming meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Another issue that may be clarified with better genomic knowledge is the strange path of human evolution.

The New York Times - Science

Many people are not aware that wines may be clarified, or fined, with products derived from animals.

The New York Times - Food

We hypothesized that AF mechanisms may be clarified if mapping techniques were compared in the same patients, and referenced to a clinical endpoint.

Stanford University

Still, Mr. Koizumi's statements were nuanced and they may be clarified in talks today with Prime Minister Tony Blair in London, and later in the week with President Jacques Chirac of France.

The New York Times

(She died late last year; the family of a friend took him in and, according to the Sun-Sentinel, members of that family say, through representatives, that they saw no warning signs, apart from a moodiness and depression that they attributed to the loss of a parent. That picture may be clarified in the days to come).

The New Yorker

By considering particle trajectories as the statistical entity, a relation between classical and quantum mechanics may be clarified.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

A first step in overcoming barriers identified in this study may be clarifying the GPs' role in RTW.

BMC Family Practice

One key to understanding these apparent contradictions at the organismal level may be clarifying the cellular and tissue-specific contexts of autophagy's regulation.

Aging

We feel it may be clarifying to refer to these cells as r5 and r6 parts of the PPy column, to emphasize the regional similarity with the more caudal medullary PPy group.

Brain Structure and Function

Bottle-fermented wines may also be clarified soon after fermentation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These difficulties point to ambiguities in autonomy-based moral views, ones which may well be clarified in further developments of those theories.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be clarified", ensure that the context implies a genuine possibility for future explanation or resolution. Avoid using it when the clarification is unlikely or impossible.

Common error

While "may be clarified" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to active voice where appropriate for a more direct and engaging tone. For example, instead of "The issue may be clarified by further research", try "Further research may clarify the issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be clarified" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates a possibility or potential for something to become clearer or more understandable in the future. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be clarified" is a grammatically sound and usable expression indicating a potential for future explanation or resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most frequently used in scientific and academic contexts to suggest that further research or analysis could lead to a better understanding of a particular topic. While it is a valid phrase, writers should be mindful of potential overuse of passive voice and consider active voice alternatives when appropriate. Related phrases include "can be explained" and "might be understood". This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, context, and potential alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be explained

Suggests a possibility of providing an explanation, focusing on the act of explaining.

can be resolved

Indicates the possibility of finding a solution to a problem or ambiguity.

might be understood

Emphasizes the potential for gaining comprehension or insight.

could be illuminated

Implies bringing light or clarity to a subject, often metaphorically.

might be elucidated

Suggests a more thorough and detailed explanation is possible.

can be made clearer

Focuses on improving the clarity and understandability of something.

can be simplified

Indicates a possibility to make something less complex and easier to understand.

could be further investigated

Suggests that additional research or analysis could provide more clarity.

may become clearer

Highlights the potential for increased clarity over time.

can be better understood

Emphasizes improving the level of understanding through further explanation or analysis.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be clarified" to indicate that something is potentially subject to further explanation or understanding. For example: "The specific mechanisms underlying this intergenerational transmission "may be clarified" in future research."

What are some alternatives to "may be clarified"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be explained", "might be understood", or "could be illuminated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "clarified"?

While both are grammatically correct, active voice (e.g., "Further research may clarify the issue") is often more direct and engaging than passive voice (e.g., "The issue may be clarified by further research"). Choose the voice that best suits the desired tone and emphasis.

What does "may be clarified" imply about the topic being discussed?

It implies that the topic is currently not fully understood or explained, but there is a potential for future understanding or explanation. It suggests a need for further investigation or analysis.