may be delivered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be delivered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the possibility of being delivered, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "The package may be delivered by the end of the week, depending on the shipping method chosen."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Concerned we may be delivered to police.

The New York Times

Oral presentations may be delivered in a later class.

The New York Times

The extensibility of Wave provides other areas where Guardian content may be delivered.

The Guardian

The extensibility of Wave provides other areas where GU content may be delivered.

The Guardian

Statements may be delivered and discussed during the next class period.

The New York Times

The judgment from the employment tribunal may be delivered on Wednesday or in the coming weeks.

The Guardian - Tech

Then better environmental outcomes through the concrete recycling management may be delivered.

Journal of Cleaner Production

As an alternative, nanoparticles may be delivered intravenously, which provides the ultimate minimally invasive approach.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology

Molecules, with limited oral bioavailability, may be delivered systemically through the lungs.

Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry

Alternatively, nutraceuticals may be delivered as part of natural foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

Current Opinion in Food Science

Applications may be delivered in person or emailed to the coordinator for undergraduate programs.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be delivered", ensure the context clearly indicates the possibility or potential for delivery, not a certainty. This phrasing is best suited for situations where the outcome is not yet confirmed.

Common error

Avoid using "may be delivered" when you want to express a guaranteed or confirmed delivery. In such cases, opt for phrases like "will be delivered" or "is scheduled for delivery" to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be delivered" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice. It expresses a possibility or potential action, indicating that something could be delivered, rather than stating it as a certainty. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it indicates potential future actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be delivered" signifies possibility, not certainty. It's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this passive voice construction communicates potential actions effectively. To use it correctly, ensure the context implies a potential for delivery rather than a guarantee. The phrase's neutral to formal tone makes it suitable for professional settings, while avoiding misuse helps maintain clarity and avoid misleading audiences. Remembering these guidelines will ensure effective and appropriate use of "may be delivered" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be provided

Uses "provided" instead of "delivered", shifting the focus to the act of making something available.

could be supplied

Replaces "delivered" with "supplied", focusing on the act of providing something needed.

can be shipped

Substitutes "delivered" with "shipped", specifically referring to the transportation of goods.

might be transported

Substitutes "delivered" with "transported", emphasizing the physical movement of an item.

could be handed over

Uses "handed over" instead of "delivered", emphasizing the physical act of transferring something.

could be furnished

Employs "furnished" instead of "delivered", often used when referring to providing equipment or services.

is likely to be dispatched

Replaces "may be" with "is likely to be" and "delivered" with "dispatched", indicating a higher probability and a formal tone.

might be conveyed

Replaces "delivered" with "conveyed", suggesting a more formal or indirect form of transmission.

might be administered

Replaces "delivered" with "administered", typically used when referring to medicines, treatments or justice.

is liable to be rendered

Replaces "may be" with "is liable to be" and "delivered" with "rendered", often used in legal or formal contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "may be delivered" to indicate that something has a possibility of being delivered, but it's not a certainty. For example, "The package "may be delivered" by the end of the week depending on the shipping conditions".

What are some alternatives to using "may be delivered"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "could be shipped", "might be transported", or "can be provided".

When is it appropriate to use "may be delivered" versus "will be delivered"?

"May be delivered" indicates a possibility, while "will be delivered" implies a certainty. Use ""may be delivered"" when the delivery is not yet confirmed, and "will be delivered" when it is guaranteed.

In what situations is "may be delivered" commonly used?

"May be delivered" is frequently used in formal contexts, such as legal documents, shipping notices, or academic papers, where it's important to convey the possibility of delivery without making a definitive claim. For example in this sentence: "Forbidden text messages "may be delivered" to cellphones as blank screens".