may be done

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be done" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a passive construction using the auxiliary verb "may" and the past participle "done" to express possibility or permission. It can be used in various contexts, such as suggesting or allowing an action, describing something that is possible but not definite, or expressing a potential outcome. Here are some examples: - The project may be done by next month if we work efficiently. - You may be surprised by the results of the experiment. - The dishes may be done by the time you finish setting the table. - This task may be done differently in other countries. - The repairs may be done by a professional or by yourself, whichever you prefer.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Work may be done during the summer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This may be done over multiple days.

University of California, Berkeley

Moreover the observer initialization may be done outside the constraints.

Systems & Control Letters

This may be done either manually or automatically.

Valve Selection Handbook Engineering Fundamentals for Selecting the Right Valve Design for Every Industrial Flow Application

But when they can't, biopsies may be done.

The New York Times

Sean Spicer may be done with press briefings.

The Washington Post

Their work may be done erratically or irresponsibly.

Harvard Business Review

More work may be done with no guarantee of payment.

Harvard Business Review

In some cases, a CT scan may be done.

Harvard University

Attempt what may be done then; kill thy husband.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Another risk is that the surgery may be done unnecessarily.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be done" to express possibility or permission without implying certainty. It's suitable when the action is not guaranteed but is a viable option.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of "may be done" can make writing sound passive and tentative. Opt for stronger verbs and active voice where appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be done" functions as a passive construction, indicating a possibility or permission for an action to occur. Ludwig shows its usage across diverse contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be done" is a versatile passive construction used to express possibility, permission, or a tentative action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across a wide range of contexts, including news, science, and academia. While a neutral register makes it widely applicable, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider stronger verbs and active voice for greater clarity and impact. Alternatives like "can be performed" or "could be executed" offer nuanced options for expressing similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be performed

Replaces 'may be' with 'can be', emphasizing ability or capability rather than possibility.

could be executed

Substitutes 'may be' with 'could be' and 'done' with 'executed', suggesting a conditional or hypothetical action.

might be accomplished

Emphasizes the possibility of achieving a task, using 'might be' instead of 'may be' and 'accomplished' in place of 'done'.

is potentially achievable

Shifts the focus to the potential for achievement, replacing the passive voice with an adjective phrase.

is possibly completed

Highlights the potential for completion, using 'is possibly' instead of 'may be'.

is allowed to be carried out

Focuses on permission and the act of carrying out a task, making the phrase more formal and explicit.

is subject to being finalized

Indicates that something is in the process of being completed and is awaiting finalization.

is liable to be finished

Suggests a degree of probability or likelihood that something will be completed.

is open to being undertaken

Emphasizes the availability or opportunity for a task to be started or pursued.

is apt to be concluded

Implies that something is likely to be brought to an end or resolved.

FAQs

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

Use "may be done" to indicate that something is possible or permitted. For example, "The project "may be done" by next week if we work efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "may be done"?

Alternatives include "can be performed", "could be executed", or "might be accomplished", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "may be done" or "can be done"?

"May be done" suggests possibility or permission, while "can be done" emphasizes ability or capability. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning in your context.

How does the formality of "may be done" compare to alternatives?

"May be done" is generally considered neutral in formality. More formal alternatives might include "is allowed to be carried out", while more informal options could involve rephrasing with active voice constructions.