may be desired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be desired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is possible or likely to be wanted or wished for by someone. Example: "In this project, certain features may be desired by the end users to enhance their experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The current separation may be desired by both women.

The Guardian - Opinion

The relatives, however, have agreed not to interfere with any honours which it may be desired to pay Count Tolstoy.

The Guardian - Books

A great variety of map projections has been devised to provide for the various properties that may be desired in maps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For applications like the calibration of measuring instruments or the verification of measuring techniques, the production of sprays with predetermined, discrete polydisperse drop size spectra may be desired.

Chemical Engineering Science

Therefore, it may be desired to make statistical inference on the true values of unknown specimens without estimating this possible correlation.

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis

Functionally graded bonded joints presents even greater potentials for reduction of stress concentrations and the tailoring of stress distribution as may be desired in an adhesive layer.

International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives

Several breathing circuits that control PETCO2 have been previously described, but their designs are not satisfactory for exercise studies where changes in inspired oxygen (FIO2) may be desired.

Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology

1. Yes, the product may be desired and have wide appeal, however, the vast majority of the expected purchasers simply did not have enough disposable income to be customers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The main feature of such a method is that it allows for the consideration of as many student characteristics as may be desired, translating the grouping problem into one of multi-objective optimization.

Computers & Education

In 1909, Good Housekeeping published a "tried and tested" review of different models, while an advert in a 1906 issue of Woman's Own assured readers, "It can be applied more rapidly, uniformly and deeply than by hand and for as long a period as may be desired".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hokhma is allowed little elbow room in Jewish scripture; but when she appears she packs quite a punch – most notably in Proverbs 8, she is "better than rubies and all things that may be desired … I AM understanding … set up from everlasting, from the beginning … whoso findeth me, findeth life".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be desired", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the desiring. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, overusing "may be desired" in formal writing can make the tone passive and less direct. Consider stronger verbs or more concise phrasing to enhance impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be desired" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses a possibility or contingency regarding something being wanted or needed. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be desired" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to express a potential preference or requirement. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about who or what is doing the desiring and consider stronger alternatives for a more direct tone in formal writing. Related options include "might be preferred" or "could be advantageous", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be preferred

Indicates a stronger sense of preference than possibility; shifts focus to a more suitable option.

could be advantageous

Highlights the potential benefits, emphasizing a positive outcome.

might prove beneficial

Similar to "could be advantageous" but emphasizes that the benefits are not guaranteed but probable.

could be beneficial

Indicates that there is a possibility of benefit.

may prove useful

Suggests the potential for practicality and utility.

might be sought after

Emphasizes the demand or desirability of something.

may be advantageous

Focuses on the potential advantages or benefits.

could be warranted

Suggests a justification or reason for something to be desired.

might be suitable

Focuses on appropriateness and fitness for a particular purpose.

may be appropriate

Suggests that something could be the correct or fitting choice.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be desired" indicates that something is possibly wanted or needed. For example, "A specific feature "may be desired" to improve user experience."

What are some alternatives to "may be desired"?

Alternatives include "might be preferred", "could be advantageous", or "might prove beneficial", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "may be desired" the same as "is desired"?

No, "may be desired" indicates a possibility or potential want, while "is desired" suggests a current and certain want or need. The first expresses a possibility and the second a certainty.

When is it appropriate to use "may be desired"?

It's appropriate when indicating a potential preference or requirement, especially when the desire isn't confirmed or universally held. It's a way to suggest rather than assert a need.