may be enlarged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be enlarged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of increasing the size or scope of something, such as an image, document, or project. Example: "The final design may be enlarged to better fit the display area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Old, well-rotted cavities may be enlarged slightly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The puzzle may be enlarged to any number of counters of each colour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Double vision is the primary symptom; if the oculomotor nerve is affected, the pupil may be enlarged as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The head may be enlarged at birth, or it may become enlarged as the child's development progresses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The entire thyroid gland may be enlarged, or there may be one or more large thyroid nodules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The eyes may be enlarged for the same reason, while the ears, which most of us barely register unless they are especially protuberant, are usually an afterthought.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

This is essential for spanning whole gene regions, given that regulatory and coding sequences may be separated by the insertion of LTR retrotransposons, and that introns may also be enlarged due to the presence of repetitive elements [ 20- 22].

BMC Genomics

Although optical microscopes are the subject of this article, an image may also be enlarged by many other wave forms, including acoustic, X-ray, or electron beam, and be received by direct or digital imaging or by a combination of these methods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is difficult for ultrasound, CT and MRI to demonstrate capsular involvement and particularly regional node involvement since involved nodes may not be enlarged beyond the 1 cm threshold for a 'normal' node.

Cancer Imaging

The overlying synovial membrane may contain mononuclear chronic inflammatory cells and the synovial cells may seem to be enlarged and reactive with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

The war may have to be enlarged to deal with added threats in Iraq, Iran and elsewhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be enlarged", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being enlarged. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, consistently using "may be enlarged" in formal contexts can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with alternatives like "could be expanded" or "might be increased" for a more engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be enlarged" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the possibility or potential for something to increase in size or scope. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

24%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be enlarged" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express the potential or possibility for something to increase in size or scope. As Ludwig AI accurately points out, it's applicable across various contexts, though it appears more frequently in scientific, encyclopedic, and news-related content. While versatile, remember to choose synonyms or more precise language to enhance clarity and avoid repetition in formal writing. Alternatives such as "could be expanded" or "might be increased" can enrich your writing style. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences, yet context remains key for optimal usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be expanded

Replaces "may" with "could", indicating a similar level of possibility but with slightly less certainty.

might be increased

Substitutes "may" with "might", suggesting a possibility, and "enlarged" with "increased", focusing on a numerical or measurable growth.

can be widened

Replaces "may" with "can", indicating possibility or ability, and "enlarged" with "widened", implying expansion in breadth.

potentially grow

Replaces "may be" with "potentially" and "enlarged" with "grow", focusing on the action of becoming larger.

possibly extended

Substitutes "may" with "possibly", conveying likelihood, and "enlarged" with "extended", emphasizing an increase in length or scope.

conceivably broadened

Replaces "may" with "conceivably", suggesting possibility, and "enlarged" with "broadened", implying an increase in scope or range.

is subject to expansion

Replaces "may be enlarged" with a more formal and descriptive phrase emphasizing the possibility of growth.

is liable to augment

Replaces "may be enlarged" with a more formal and less common phrase emphasizing a likely addition or increase.

has the capacity to magnify

Replaces "may be enlarged" with a phrase highlighting the potential for magnification or significant increase in size.

presents opportunities for escalation

Substitutes "may be enlarged" with a phrase focusing on escalation, often used in strategic or metaphorical contexts.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be enlarged" indicates a possibility for something to increase in size or scope. For example, "The image "may be enlarged" for better visibility" or "The project's scope "may be enlarged" based on initial results."

What are some alternatives to "may be enlarged"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "could be expanded", "might be increased", or "can be widened" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "may be enlarged" formal or informal?

"May be enlarged" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "is subject to expansion".

What does "may be enlarged" imply?

The phrase "may be enlarged" implies a potential or possibility for something to become larger, greater, or more extensive. It doesn't guarantee that the enlargement will occur, but suggests it is a viable option or a likely outcome.