may be decreased

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be decreased" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of a reduction in quantity, size, or intensity of something. Example: "The dosage of the medication may be decreased if the patient shows signs of improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aspiration of saliva may be decreased with the use of a subglottic suction port.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Product costs may be decreased by developing catalytic processes using alternative raw materials.

Practical Process Research & Development

However, the beam current limit due to multipass beam breakup (BBU) may be decreased.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

The synergistic effect between two surfactants may be decreased with increasing IPA.

Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers

The function of the thyroid gland may be decreased, normal, or increased.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a circuit in which the potential difference, or voltage, is constant, the current may be decreased by adding more resistance or increased by removing some resistance.

Britannica

But recent findings indicate that knee anterior laxity may be decreased with repeated loading of the knee.

Manual Therapy

When cement with mineral additions is employed, the carbonation resistance of mortar and concrete may be decreased.

Cement and Concrete Composites

One avenue through which sedentary behavior may be decreased and beneficial activity increased is through social norms.

Psychology of Sport and Exercise

Potentiometric and calorimetric measurements on aniline polymerized by persulfate reveal an induction period, which may be decreased or eliminated by the addition of ceric (CeIV) ion.

Polymer

The nerve signals that inhibit pain signals may be decreased.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be decreased", clearly state the factor or action that could cause the decrease to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The risk of infection may be decreased by frequent handwashing."

Common error

Avoid stringing multiple clauses together using "may be decreased" as it can make sentences convoluted and difficult to read. Instead, break down the sentence or use more direct language. For example, instead of "If the temperature is lowered, the reaction rate may be decreased, which may lead to a lower yield", try "Lowering the temperature decreases the reaction rate, resulting in a lower yield".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be decreased" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating a potential reduction or lessening of something. It introduces the possibility of a decrease without specifying the agent causing the reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

Encyclopedias

6%

News & Media

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be decreased" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly within scientific and formal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively conveys the potential for a reduction or lessening of something. While versatile, it's essential to use it with precision, clearly indicating the influencing factors and avoiding overuse in complex sentences to maintain clarity. The phrase finds common use in science, encyclopedias, and news reporting, and related phrases such as "could be reduced" and "might be diminished" offer suitable alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be reduced

Suggests a possibility of reduction, similar to the original phrase, but uses "reduced" instead of "decreased".

might be diminished

Emphasizes a lessening or weakening, implying a more subtle reduction than "decreased".

can be lessened

Indicates a potential for something to be made smaller or less significant.

could be curtailed

Suggests a restriction or limitation, implying a controlled reduction.

might be alleviated

Implies a reduction in severity or intensity, often used in the context of pain or suffering.

can be mitigated

Suggests reducing the harmful effects or severity of something.

could be attenuated

Implies a weakening or reduction in force or intensity, often used in scientific contexts.

might see a decline

Focuses on the observation of a downward trend or decrease.

can experience a drop

Highlights a sudden or noticeable reduction in quantity or level.

could undergo a contraction

Suggests a shrinking or reduction in size or scope.

FAQs

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

Use "may be decreased" to indicate a possibility of reduction. For example, "The severity of symptoms "may be decreased" with medication".

What are some alternatives to "may be decreased"?

You can use alternatives such as "could be reduced", "might be diminished", or "can be lessened" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "may be decreased" or "can be decreased"?

"May be decreased" suggests a possibility based on certain conditions, while "can be decreased" indicates a general ability to decrease. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, "Symptoms may be decreased with treatment" suggests a potential outcome, while "Costs can be decreased by optimizing processes" indicates a potential action.

What's the difference between "may be decreased" and "is decreased"?

"May be decreased" indicates a possibility or potential for reduction, while "is decreased" states that a reduction has definitively occurred. For example, "The risk may be decreased" suggests a potential outcome, whereas "The risk is decreased" confirms an actual reduction.