may be determined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be determined" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express possibility or uncertainty in a sentence. Example: The exact cause of the fire may be determined by the fire department's investigation.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

may be determined"?

Cornell University

Vulnerability also may be determined by rotation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, it seems that this may be determined at branch level rather than being company policy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Iliou, he said, may be determined but offers voters little substance.

The New York Times

Their options may be determined by how aggressive their tumor appears to be.

The New York Times - Health

The outcome in Afghanistan may be determined already, simply because we've been there for eight years.

The New York Times

And the winner, it seems, may be determined more by patience than by firepower.

The Washington Post

Finally, how sweet a food tastes may be determined by what you last tasted.

The New York Times

Hall coefficients may be determined experimentally and may vary with temperature.

Britannica

A new study suggests that many consumer judgments may be determined by genetics.

Stanford University

After the data has been displayed, the filter region may be determined from the imager.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for stronger verbs like "will be decided" or "can be identified" when certainty is higher, reserving "may be determined" for situations where uncertainty or possibility is key.

Common error

Avoid using "may be determined" excessively in formal documents when a more direct and assertive phrasing is possible. Overusing modal verbs like "may" can weaken the impact of your statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be determined" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential for something to be ascertained or decided. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples demonstrate its use in expressing uncertainty about future outcomes or conclusions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be determined" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to express the possibility of a future determination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially science, news, and academia. While it is versatile, writers should consider stronger verbs when certainty is high and avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain impact. Its prevalence across authoritative sources underscores its reliability, making it a valuable tool for expressing uncertainty with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be established

Focuses on the potential for something to be proven or validated, shifting the emphasis from the process of determination to the state of being confirmed.

could be ascertained

Emphasizes the possibility of finding something out, replacing "determined" with a synonym that stresses the act of discovery.

might be influenced

Highlights the potential for something to be affected, changing the focus from definitive determination to the possibility of influence.

is subject to determination

This alternative emphasizes that a subject requires further investigation or decision-making.

can be figured out

This option is less formal than the original phrase and focuses on a more casual approach to finding a solution or answer.

is liable to be decided

Suggests a future event or decision-making, emphasizing the legal or formal aspect of determination.

potentially resolved

Focuses on finding a solution or reaching a conclusion, implying a degree of uncertainty or ongoing investigation.

is open to discovery

This alternative highlights the ongoing nature of seeking information or insights, often applicable in research contexts.

remains to be seen

This option indicates that the outcome or conclusion is uncertain and will only become clear in the future.

is contingent upon resolution

This version underscores the dependence on a future decision or settlement for the outcome.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be determined" is used to indicate that something is possible to discover or decide in the future. For instance, "The cause of the error "may be determined" after further analysis".

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

Alternatives include "can be established", "could be ascertained", or "might be influenced", depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is "may be determined" formal or informal?

"May be determined" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for academic, scientific, and professional contexts, but it can also be used in news and media. It is less appropriate for very informal settings.

What does "may be determined" imply about the certainty of an outcome?

The phrase implies that the outcome or result is not yet certain and depends on future events or investigations. It suggests a possibility rather than a definite conclusion. You could use "will be determined" if you need to express more certainty.