may be considered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be considered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a hypothetical situation or when introducing a possible point of view. For example: "The high cost of tuition may be considered a deterrent to pursuing a college education."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In severe cases, surgery may be considered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may be considered as partly confession.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such questions may be considered crass elsewhere.

The New York Times

Once identified, the stooges may be considered for sanction lists.

The New Yorker

This kind of fight may be considered normal or childish.

The New York Times

It is then that other criteria may be considered.

The New York Times

In such circles, Romney's views may be considered a plus.

The Guardian

Sleep itself may be considered a motivational state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus reform may be considered a problem-solving mechanism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The plan may be considered in two main aspects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In certain jurisdictions, this information may be considered attorney advertising.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be considered" to introduce a viewpoint or possibility, especially when presenting an argument or discussing potential interpretations. For example, "This approach may be considered more effective in the long run."

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "may be considered" which can make your writing seem vague. Consider active alternatives to strengthen your message. For instance, instead of "The results may be considered significant", try "Researchers might find the results significant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be considered" functions as a modal verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it introduces a possibility or a perspective. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from scientific analyses to news reports, consistently presenting potential viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be considered" serves as a versatile tool for expressing possibilities, suggesting viewpoints, and introducing nuanced arguments across various domains. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal settings. Its prevalence in science, news, and encyclopedic content, based on examples from Ludwig, underscores its reliability and adaptability. When writing, remember to consider active voice alternatives for stronger statements and avoid overuse to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "could be regarded as" or "might be deemed as" can offer varied expression while retaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be regarded as

Emphasizes a viewpoint or perspective in a similar manner.

may be viewed as

Similar in meaning, focusing on the act of observing or assessing.

might be deemed as

Slightly more formal, suggesting a judgment or assessment.

can be seen as

Focuses on interpretation or how something is perceived.

might be evaluated as

Suggests a formal assessment or judgment of value.

might be thought of as

Highlights a reflective or contemplative consideration.

can be classified as

Indicates a categorization or grouping based on certain criteria.

may be looked upon as

Implies a specific attitude or opinion towards something.

could be interpreted as

Stresses the potential for different understandings.

could be conceived as

Highlights the conceptualization or understanding of something.

FAQs

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

"May be considered" is used to introduce a possibility or suggestion. For example, "The new policy "may be considered" a success if it achieves its goals."

What are some alternatives to "may be considered"?

Alternatives include "could be regarded as", "might be deemed as", or "can be seen as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "may be consider" grammatically correct?

No, the correct form is "may be considered". "Considered" is the past participle form of the verb "consider" and is required after the auxiliary verbs "may be".

What's the difference between "may be considered" and "should be considered"?

"May be considered" suggests a possibility or option, while "should be considered" implies a recommendation or obligation. The former is less forceful than the latter.