may be encountered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be encountered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is possible to come across or experience in a particular context or situation. Example: "During your travels, various cultural practices may be encountered that differ significantly from your own."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strong gales with high winds may be encountered in winter.

Britannica

Public displays of intimate behavior may be encountered".

The New York Times

Impaired uptake of vitamins may be encountered in gastrointestinal diseases.

Britannica

However, some highly productive aquifers may be encountered, typically near tectonic discontinuities.

Journal of Hydrology

When the incomplete formulation is used, the spurious eigensolution may be encountered.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Surgically relevant anatomy seen during simulation can predict what may be encountered in the operating room.

Stanford University

Seeds may be encountered in microfossil samples taken from rocks deposited in terrestrial environments.

University of California, Berkeley

Because of differences between AI1 and AI2, some difficulties may be encountered in the conversion process.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Certain difficulties may be encountered when computing the modification parameters from a system of linear equations.

Computers & Geosciences

The theory accounts for three flow regimes that may be encountered.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Such conditions may be encountered in humid weather or at the onset of rain.

Tribology International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be encountered" when you want to indicate a possibility without making a definitive statement. It's suitable for scenarios where you're outlining potential experiences or findings.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "may be encountered", as it can sometimes make your writing sound indirect or vague. Consider whether an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be encountered" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potential for something to be experienced or found. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

News & Media

5%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be encountered" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of something being experienced or found. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable, especially in scientific and academic writing. While it's important to avoid overusing passive voice, this phrase effectively conveys uncertainty and potential outcomes. Alternatives like "might be found" or "could be experienced" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be found

Indicates a possibility of discovery, with a slightly less formal tone than "may be encountered".

could be experienced

Focuses on the experiential aspect, suggesting a potential occurrence or feeling.

can be observed

Highlights the possibility of noticing something, often in a scientific or objective context.

potentially present

Emphasizes the chance of something existing or being available in a given situation.

possibly discovered

Suggests a likelihood of uncovering something, often through investigation or exploration.

may arise

Indicates the potential for something to emerge or occur, often unexpectedly.

might occur

Similar to "may arise", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the possibility of an event happening.

can happen

A more informal way of expressing the possibility of something taking place.

could transpire

Implies a potential unfolding or development of events, often with a sense of formality.

are liable to happen

Suggests a probability or tendency for something to occur, often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

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

Use "may be encountered" to suggest a possibility or potential occurrence. For example, "Difficulties "may be encountered" during the experiment", indicating potential challenges.

What's a more formal alternative to "may be encountered"?

More formal alternatives include "might be found" or "could be experienced". These alternatives maintain a similar level of formality while offering different nuances.

What can I say instead of "may be encountered" in informal writing?

In more informal contexts, you can use phrases like "can happen" or "might occur". These options are more conversational and less stilted than "may be encountered".

Is "may be encountered" always the best choice, or are there situations where another phrase is more appropriate?

While "may be encountered" is generally correct, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you want to emphasize observation, "can be observed" might be better. If you want to suggest something existing, "potentially present" could be more suitable.