may be diminished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be diminished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to be reduced or lessened in quality, quantity, or intensity. Example: "The effectiveness of the treatment may be diminished if not followed as prescribed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Services may be diminished.

The New York Times

That advantage may be diminished on the shorter course.

The New York Times - Sports

She was upset that her chances of working abroad may be diminished.

The Guardian

In consequence, the magnetohydrodynamic pressure drop and corrosion rates may be diminished.

Fusion Engineering and Design

And, even if some threats such as hunting may be diminished, others such as climate change have barely begun.

Yale University

If this finding holds up, concerns about infecting the transplant recipient or the public may be diminished.

The New York Times - Health

However, even as the storm's effects on the region may be diminished, they may not be entirely denied.

The Washington Post

The order may be diminished but its legacy still looms large over thousands of lives – and the development of Ireland.

The Guardian

Therefore, the potential for water integration may be diminished, which means a less amount of water recovery.

Chemical Engineering Science

In the absence of reliable target site selection tools, however, the impact of RNA interference (RNAi) may be diminished.

Methods in Enzymology

Transitory value can be significant in the near term, but may be diminished by technological or regulatory advances.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be diminished", ensure the context clearly indicates what factor or influence is causing the potential reduction. This adds precision and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "may be diminished" excessively in passive constructions, as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider using active voice alternatives when appropriate for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be diminished" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential for something to be reduced. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in English. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

40%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be diminished" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey the potential reduction of something. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for indicating a possibility, and can be replaced with other modal phrases to create variety in writing. While suitable for many contexts, it appears most often in scientific, news, and academic writing, reflecting a neutral to formal tone. Employ it strategically to express uncertainty and possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be reduced

Uses "could" instead of "may", implying possibility; "reduced" replaces "diminished", suggesting a lessening.

might be lessened

Substitutes "might" for "may", indicating possibility; "lessened" replaces "diminished", suggesting a decrease in significance or intensity.

can be weakened

Replaces "may" with "can", showing potential; "weakened" substitutes "diminished", suggesting a loss of strength or effectiveness.

could be impaired

Uses "could" instead of "may", implying possibility; "impaired" replaces "diminished", suggesting a functional reduction.

might be curtailed

Substitutes "might" for "may", indicating possibility; "curtailed" replaces "diminished", suggesting restriction or reduction.

can be undermined

Replaces "may" with "can", showing potential; "undermined" substitutes "diminished", suggesting a weakening of foundation or support.

could be attenuated

Uses "could" instead of "may", implying possibility; "attenuated" replaces "diminished", suggesting a reduction in force or intensity.

might be mitigated

Substitutes "might" for "may", indicating possibility; "mitigated" replaces "diminished", suggesting making something less severe.

can be lessened in effect

Replaces "may" with "can", showing potential; adds "in effect" to clarify the lessening applies to the impact.

could see a reduction

Uses a different verb construction to convey the same meaning of potential reduction.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be diminished" to express a possibility of reduction in quality, quantity, or effect. For example, "The impact of the new policy "may be diminished" if it is not properly implemented."

What are some alternatives to "may be diminished"?

Some alternatives include "could be reduced", "might be lessened", or "can be weakened", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "may be diminished" or "is diminished"?

"May be diminished" expresses a possibility or potential, while "is diminished" states a fact. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the certainty of the reduction you are describing.

What's the difference between "may be diminished" and "might be diminished"?

The difference between "may be diminished" and "might be diminished" is subtle. Both express a possibility, but "may" can sometimes imply a slightly higher degree of likelihood or permission, while "might" suggests a more speculative possibility. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.