may be detected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be detected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of identifying or discovering something, often in scientific or technical contexts. Example: "In certain conditions, anomalies may be detected in the data collected from the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In some cases, partly reset systems also may be detected.

Britannica

In other cases, cracks may be detected during service.

Cryogenics

2. Smail air-bubbles in the pastes may be detected with a good magnifying glass.

The New York Times

Observations containing highly extended sources that may be detected incorrectly are excluded from catalog processing.

Harvard University

Early lumen loss (ELL) may be detected in patients undergoing coronary interventions for in-stent restenosis.

American Heart Journal

Subclinical biventricular dysfunction in these patients may be detected only by using suitably sensitive indexes.

The American Journal of Cardiology

Sensory, visual, and cognitive defects may be detected later in life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A number of common features may be detected in all such systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here perhaps may be detected the sunset snobbery of the Athens of his day.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Changes in temperature as small as 0.0001° C may be detected in this way.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The change in vibration signature may be detected by ear or more precisely by measurement of the dynamic contact force.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be detected" when indicating a possibility rather than a certainty. It is particularly suitable in scientific or technical writing where precision about probability is important.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "may be detected" when the context implies a high degree of certainty. In such cases, using "is detected" or "will be detected" enhances clarity and confidence in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be detected" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing a possibility or likelihood. Ludwig AI suggests that this phrase is grammatically sound and usable across diverse contexts. This phrasing indicates that something has the potential to be found or noticed, rather than stating it as a definite fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be detected" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the possibility of identifying or discovering something. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability across various contexts. It is particularly common in scientific and formal writing where uncertainty needs to be conveyed precisely. While versatile, avoid overuse; stronger alternatives like "is detected" are preferable when certainty is higher. Use the phrase strategically to indicate potential findings rather than definitive statements. Remember that its frequency varies, being more common in science and less so in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be detected

Replaces the modal verb "may" with "can", indicating possibility or ability.

could be detected

Substitutes "may" with "could", suggesting a conditional possibility.

might be detected

Uses "might" instead of "may", expressing a slightly lower probability.

is possibly detected

Rephrases using "possibly" to emphasize the uncertainty of detection.

is potentially identified

Replaces "detected" with "identified" and "may" with "potentially", focusing on the identification aspect.

is possibly observed

Replaces "detected" with "observed" and "may" with "possibly", suitable when visual or sensory detection is involved.

can potentially be found

Replaces "detected" with "found", focusing more on the discovery aspect, while retaining "potentially".

is liable to be detected

Uses "liable" instead of "may", suggesting a higher probability of detection given certain conditions.

is subject to detection

Rephrases to emphasize that something is vulnerable or exposed to being detected.

is open to being detected

Rephrases to convey accessibility or vulnerability of something to detection.

FAQs

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

Use "may be detected" to express a possibility of something being found or noticed, as in "Traces of the substance "may be detected" during the analysis."

What are some alternatives to "may be detected"?

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

Is "may be detected" formal or informal?

"May be detected" is generally suitable for formal and scientific writing. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "might be found" might be preferred.

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

"May be detected" indicates a possibility, while "will be detected" suggests a higher degree of certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the likelihood of detection.