may be completed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be completed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is possible to finish or accomplish, often in a formal or instructional context. Example: "The application form may be completed online or submitted in person at the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The sales may be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2004.

The New York Times

Still, Mr. Hocker said, both projects may be completed and could coexist.

The New York Times

Those hand counts may be completed in the next few days.

The New York Times

A return to the States may be completed in one day, with no layover.

The New York Times - Travel

Portions of an act may be completed in an improper sequence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Few trials may be completed before the end of the Bush administration in January, some lawyers have said.

The New York Times

The renovation, designed by E. Timothy Marshall & Associates of Highland Park, N.J., may be completed this year.

The New York Times

The seventh hole was being started Sunday and officials did not estimate when it may be completed.

The New York Times

A level may be completed more quickly this way, but there is a real sense of teamwork and achievement.

The Guardian - Tech

The purchase may be completed in the second quarter, subject to a bankruptcy court's approval, he said.

The New York Times

His fate could hinge on the results of the investigation, which may be completed by the end of the month.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be completed" when you want to express possibility or likelihood, but not certainty, regarding the completion of a task, project, or process. For formal contexts, this phrase adds a layer of professional nuance.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessively using "may be completed" in informal settings can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "could finish" or "might be done" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be completed" functions as a modal passive construction. The modal verb "may" expresses possibility, while "be completed" indicates the passive voice, suggesting that an action might be performed upon a subject. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be completed" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate the possibility or likelihood of something being finished. As Ludwig confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts like News & Media and Science, lending itself to both neutral and formal registers. While generally correct, overusing it in informal contexts can sound unnatural, so consider using simpler alternatives. When expressing uncertainty about the finalization of a task or process, "may be completed" serves as a versatile and appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be finished

Changes the modal verb from "may" to "could", suggesting a slightly lower probability or possibility.

might be done

Replaces "may" with "might" and "completed" with "done", indicating a less certain outcome.

can be finalized

Substitutes "may" with "can" and "completed" with "finalized", focusing on the ability to reach a final state.

is able to be finished

Uses a more verbose construction to express the possibility and capability of completion.

has the potential to finish

Emphasizes the potential for completion rather than the simple possibility.

is liable to be completed

Indicates a higher probability or likelihood of completion.

is projected to be completed

Focuses on a forecasted or expected completion.

is anticipated to be finished

Highlights the expectation or anticipation of completion.

is scheduled for completion

Indicates a planned or scheduled completion.

can be accomplished

Replaces "completed" with "accomplished", highlighting the achievement aspect.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be completed" indicates a possibility or likelihood of finishing something. For example, "The project "may be completed" by the end of the quarter."

What are some alternatives to "may be completed"?

Alternatives include "could be finished", "might be done", or "can be finalized", depending on the level of certainty you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "may be complete" instead of "may be completed"?

While "may be complete" is grammatically correct, it suggests a state of being finished. "May be completed" refers to the process of finishing. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the process or the state.

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

"Will be completed" expresses a higher degree of certainty about the completion of something. "May be completed" suggests a possibility, but not a guarantee. Use "will be completed" when the completion is highly probable or scheduled, and "may be completed" when there's a chance it might not happen.