may be effected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be effected" is not correct in this context; the correct phrase is "may be affected." You can use "may be affected" when discussing the potential impact or influence on something or someone.
Example: "The changes in policy may be affected by public opinion."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Direct improvement of LES hypotension may be effected by surgical fundoplication.

Nature

A divorce may be effected simply by the mutual agreement of the spouses.

Britannica

Gene transfer into mammalian cells may be effected either by infection with virus that carries the recombinant gene of interest, or by direct transfer of plasmid DNA.

New Comprehensive Biochemistry

It may be effected by various endogenous and exogenous stimuli, including B-cell lipopolysaccharides, glucocorticoid hormones, halogenated pyrimidines, ionizing radiation, ultraviolet light, various chemicals and super-infecting viruses.

Princeton University

In short if the Republicans win office our jobs may be effected (furloughs) if the Democrats win office then our jobs would not be effected".

The New York Times

Consequently, there is rarely a motive for incorporating the corporation in another state,' but if this is desired, such reincorporation may be effected with little cost or difficulty.

Columbia University

Termination of the grant may be effected notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, including an agreement to make a will or to make any future grant.

Cornell University

In that event renewal may be effected on the supplemental register under the provisions of section 9 of this Act [section 1059 of this title].

Cornell University

Modulation of the activity of pacemaker enzymes may be effected by metabolites of the pathway in which the enzyme acts or by those of another pathway; the process may be described as a "fine control" of metabolism.

Britannica

As well, for down-sloping louver designs, other means can create a gas-entry-face renewing body movement, viz., a sharp motion (either, as appropriate, sideways, downward, or upward) such as may be effected by the blow of a hammer.

Powder Technology

Termination of the grant may be effected at any time during a period of 5 years beginning at the end of 75 years from the date copyright was originally secured.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "may be effected" appears in numerous texts, especially within scientific and academic contexts, prioritize using "may be affected" to ensure grammatical accuracy. This enhances clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "effected" when you mean "affected". "Effect" as a verb means 'to bring about', while "affect" means 'to influence'. Therefore, use "may be affected" to indicate influence and reserve "may be effected" for situations where you mean something 'may be brought about'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be effected" functions as a passive construction, indicating a potential action being performed on a subject. Although it appears frequently, Ludwig AI points out that it's often misused in place of "may be affected".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

Academia

30%

News & Media

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "may be effected" is quite common, particularly in academic and scientific writing, it's frequently used incorrectly. As Ludwig AI clarified, the correct phrase when indicating influence or impact is "may be affected". "Effected" should be reserved for instances where you specifically mean 'brought about' or 'caused'. Using the correct terminology enhances clarity and credibility. Consider alternatives such as "may be influenced" or "may be achieved" to further refine your meaning and avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be affected

This is the grammatically correct alternative, indicating that something might undergo a change or impact.

may be influenced

This alternative focuses on the potential for something to be changed or guided by external factors, rather than brought about.

may be achieved

This suggests that something has the potential to be successfully completed or attained.

may be brought about

This emphasizes the potential for something to be caused or initiated.

may be implemented

This focuses on the possibility of a plan or system being put into action.

could be triggered

This highlights the potential for something to be set off or initiated by a specific event.

may be realized

This highlights the potential for something to become a reality or be brought into existence.

may be generated

This focuses on the possibility of something being produced or created.

could be activated

This suggests the potential for something to become operational or functional.

might be produced

Similar to 'may be generated' but uses 'might' indicating a slightly lower probability.

FAQs

What's the difference between "may be effected" and "may be affected"?

"May be effected" means something may be brought about or caused, while "may be affected" means something may be influenced or changed. "May be affected" is the correct choice in most contexts where you mean to indicate influence.

Is "may be effected" grammatically correct?

While "may be effected" is found in some formal writing, it's often used incorrectly where "may be affected" is more appropriate. "May be effected" should only be used when you mean 'to bring about'.

When should I use "may be affected" instead of "may be effected"?

Use "may be affected" when you want to say that something might be influenced, changed, or impacted by something else. Only use "may be effected" if you specifically mean something may be brought into being or caused to happen.

What are some alternatives to "may be effected" that avoid confusion?

To avoid confusion, consider using alternatives like "may be influenced", "may be achieved", or "may be brought about" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.