may be commenced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be commenced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in formal contexts to indicate that something is allowed to start or begin. Example: "The project may be commenced once all necessary approvals have been obtained."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If she did not contact the trustee by this Friday, he said, "litigation may be commenced against you".

The New York Times

If appropriate, the patient may be commenced on appropriate thromboprophylaxis, according to evidence-based guidelines.

BMJ Open

The present study supports these recommendations, especially the provision that some patients may be commenced on nebulized treatment on the basis of substantial subjective benefit even if an additional bronchodilator response cannot be demonstrated.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

If the CD4+ cell count is <50 cells/μL or a serious HIV-1-related illness is present, ART may be commenced 2 weeks after starting antituberculosis treatment [ 15].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But a once-in-a-generation shift may be commencing.

The Economist

Those intolerant to penicillamine may instead be commenced on trientine hydrochloride, which also has chelating properties.

Wikipedia

Most states have time limits on when a recall petition can be commenced and how long that petition may circulate.

WikiHow

Such people may then be found to have mild or subclinical hypothyroidism and be commenced on thyroid hormone treatment.

BMC Public Health

As ADT can be commenced some time after diagnosis, the adjustment of diagnosis date may introduce bias.

BMC Cancer

In such cases only, going ahead without diagnostic validation may be justifiable, because the alternative is that research of public-health importance can never be commenced.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Got to celebrate it!" — Sarah Palin "Defendants United States of America and the Secretary of Defense [are ordered] immediately to suspend and discontinue any investigation, or discharge, separation, or other proceeding, that may have been commenced under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' [policy]." — Judge Virginia Phillips "The country is not the same after this.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be commenced" in formal writing where a passive voice and an element of permission or possibility are desired. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being commenced.

Common error

Avoid using "may be commenced" in casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "may start" or "can begin" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be commenced" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating possibility or permission for an action to begin. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in formal contexts such as legal and medical documents, aligning with the platform's assessment of the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be commenced" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something is permitted or likely to begin, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most appropriate for formal and scientific contexts, although its frequency is relatively rare. Ludwig's examples show that while the phrase is valid, simpler alternatives might be more suitable for informal communication. Consider replacing it with phrases like "may be initiated" or "can begin" in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be initiated

Replaces "commenced" with "initiated", a synonym, maintaining the same passive voice and modal verb.

may be started

Substitutes "commenced" with "started", offering a more common and less formal alternative.

can be started

Replaces "may" with "can", indicating possibility or permission in a more direct manner.

might be started

Replaces "may" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability of the action occurring.

could be begun

Uses "could" to indicate possibility, with "begun" as a synonym for "commenced".

may begin

Simplifies the phrase by removing the passive voice, resulting in a more direct statement.

can begin

Similar to "may begin" but uses "can" for a stronger sense of possibility or permission.

is permitted to start

Rephrases to indicate permission rather than just possibility.

is allowed to begin

Similar to 'is permitted to start', emphasizing the allowance of starting something.

may get underway

Uses an idiomatic expression, "get underway", to mean start or begin.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be commenced" indicates that something is allowed or has the potential to begin. For example, "The project "may be commenced" once all approvals are secured."

What are some alternatives to "may be commenced"?

Alternatives include phrases like "may be initiated", "can be started", or simply "may begin", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "may be commenced" formal or informal?

"May be commenced" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, phrases like "can start" or "might begin" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "may be commenced" and "may commence"?

"May be commenced" uses the passive voice, focusing on the action being started, whereas "may commence" is active, emphasizing the actor starting the action. For example, "The investigation "may be commenced" by the police" (passive) versus "The police "may commence" the investigation" (active).