may be excused

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be excused" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in different contexts, but typically expresses the possibility or potential for someone to be forgiven or released from a responsibility or obligation. Example: "Due to a family emergency, John may be excused from attending today's meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you didn't, you may be excused.

The New Yorker

So a fan may be excused his ennui.

The New York Times - Sports

At this point, the reader may be excused another yawn.

The New York Times - Sports

Under certain circumstances the seller may be excused from his obligation to deliver on time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

READERS may be excused if they have never heard of Kinakuta.

The Economist

But consumers may be excused for believing that it is November and Veterans Day is approaching.

The New York Times

Many of those involved are at the early stages of their careers and may be excused.

The New York Times

Those of you who find such topics boring may be excused now.

The New York Times - Tech

Lehmann's body language was full, if typecasting may be excused, of Germanic boldness.

The Guardian - Sport

And David Copperfield is a masterpiece that may be excused a few flaws.

The Guardian - Books

Kirstein may be excused for resorting to a language of equivocation and innuendo in public.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be excused", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the excusal. Specify the condition or situation that warrants the exemption.

Common error

Avoid using "may be excused" in situations where a stronger expression of obligation or necessity is required. It is better suited for permissive or conditional scenarios, not mandatory ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be excused" functions as a passive modal construction, indicating permission or possibility of exemption from a duty, task, or presence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies that someone might be released from an obligation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be excused" is a versatile phrase used to indicate permission, possibility of exemption, or leniency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and common in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media, and encyclopedias, its register is generally neutral, and as suggested by the many examples from Ludwig, it serves to release someone from an expectation or responsibility. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in context and appropriateness in tone, choosing it over stronger terms when expressing possibility rather than necessity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be forgiven

Focuses on the aspect of being forgiven for a mistake or shortcoming.

could be exempt

Highlights the possibility of being freed from a requirement or duty.

may be exempted

Similar to "could be exempt", but with a slightly more formal tone.

might be released

Suggests a potential release from a current obligation or situation.

may be pardoned

Implies a formal or official act of forgiveness.

can be absolved

Emphasizes the removal of blame or guilt.

could be let off

Indicates a lenient treatment, avoiding punishment or consequences.

might be spared

Focuses on avoiding an unpleasant experience or obligation.

can be disregarded

Suggests that something can be ignored or overlooked.

might be overlooked

Highlights the possibility of something being missed or ignored.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be excused" to indicate that someone is allowed to leave or is forgiven for a mistake, like in "Students with a doctor's note "may be excused" from gym class".

What's a formal alternative to "may be excused"?

A more formal alternative is "may be exempted", which is suitable for official or legal contexts.

Is it correct to say "might be excused" instead of "may be excused"?

Yes, "might be excused" is grammatically correct. "May" suggests a higher probability or permission, while "might" implies a possibility that is less certain.

What is the difference between "may be excused" and "should be excused"?

"May be excused" implies permission or possibility, while "should be excused" suggests a recommendation or obligation. For example, "He may be excused" means he has permission to leave, while "He should be excused" suggests it is appropriate for him to be excused.