may be discerned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be discerned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something can be perceived or detected, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "In the shadows of the forest, a sense of mystery may be discerned."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

At a deeper level methodological continuity may be discerned.

Cornell University

Various distinctions may be discerned in the types of dualism in general.

Britannica

They may be discerned as sturdy legs, like the Colossus of Rhodes.

The New York Times - Arts

Through careful investigation, however, the original unity may be discerned, including the unity of religion in each case.

Britannica

Indeed, such signposts as may be discerned from the legislative history point in a very different direction.

Cornell University

Various types of veld may be discerned, depending upon local characteristics such as elevation, cultivation, and climate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

HMV - you may be discerning a pattern here - used to have a presence in the US market, but withdrew in 2004.

BBC

Their prospects may not be discerned until a year or two from now.

The New York Times

Nor is this to say that his influence may not be discerned after 1522 for it can.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yes, this is Taylor Swift we are talking about, the noted hermit, hater of the press, modern-day nun, the intricacies of whose love life may only be discerned by the painstaking work of expert private detectives.

The Telegraph

Scribe III: the uncial of the original text may still be discerned underneath the current writing.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be discerned" in formal writing when you want to suggest that something is subtly present and requires careful observation or analysis to be noticed.

Common error

Avoid using "may be discerned" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "can be seen" or "might be noticed" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be discerned" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates the possibility that something can be perceived or detected, requiring careful observation or analysis. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains, confirming its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

27%

News & Media

21%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be discerned" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that suggests something can be perceived or detected with careful observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's primarily used in formal contexts like science, encyclopedias, and news media. While alternatives like "can be observed" and "might be detected" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. When using "may be discerned", remember to reserve it for formal writing and analysis, avoiding overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be observed

Emphasizes the ability to see or notice something directly, focusing on visual or sensory evidence.

might be detected

Suggests a subtle or less obvious discovery, implying the use of sensitive methods or careful observation.

could be identified

Focuses on the act of recognizing or confirming the identity of something, often after careful analysis.

can be understood

Highlights the possibility of gaining comprehension or insight into something, emphasizing intellectual understanding.

may be recognized

Implies acknowledging or accepting something as true or valid, often based on prior knowledge or experience.

might be perceived

Indicates a subjective or interpretative understanding, suggesting that different people may have varying impressions.

can be ascertained

Emphasizes the process of finding something out for certain, often through investigation or inquiry.

could be determined

Focuses on the act of establishing something definitively, often through calculation or measurement.

may be revealed

Suggests that something previously hidden or unknown is now becoming apparent.

can be distinguished

Highlights the ability to differentiate between two or more things, often based on specific characteristics.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be discerned" to indicate that something can be perceived or detected, often in a formal context. For example: "A subtle shift in policy "may be discerned" in the document".

What are some alternatives to "may be discerned"?

You can use alternatives like "can be observed", "might be detected", or "could be identified depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can be discerned" instead of "may be discerned"?

Yes, "can be observed" is a valid alternative to "may be discerned". While "may" implies possibility, "can" suggests capability or inherent ability. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "may be discerned" and "may be inferred"?

"May be discerned" suggests something is perceptible through careful observation, whereas "may be inferred" implies that something is concluded or deduced based on evidence or reasoning. They are not interchangeable.