may be executed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be executed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing actions or processes that are permitted or possible to be carried out. Example: "The program may be executed at any time, depending on the user's preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Subfunctions may be executed in different orders.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

By day's end, only a dozen or two trades may be executed.

The Washington Post

The Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that mentally retarded people may be executed in capital cases.

The New York Times

Applications compiled for a particular architecture may be executed on vastly different memory hierarchy implementations.

Performance Evaluation

The moving-objects feature may be executed in either serial mode or parallel mode using MPI.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

This subsection may be executed by the disbursing official of the Department of the Treasury.

Cornell University

Each contraction may be executed via matrix multiplication on a properly ordered and structured tensor.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

Although the court recognises that their case has merit, they all may be executed anyway.

The Economist

The act may be executed by sudden, vigorous [lifting] of the ankles, tipping the subject over the edge.

The New Yorker

Maneuver may be executed Friday through Sunday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., and soon on Thursdays, too.

The New York Times

The act may be executed by sudden, vigorous [excised] of the ankles, tipping the subject over the edge".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be executed", consider the context and choose a synonym if a less formal or more specific term is appropriate. Synonyms like "can be performed" or "might be carried out" can offer subtle shifts in meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "may be executed" in highly informal settings. It can sound overly formal or even stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can be done" or "could happen" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be executed" functions as a verb phrase indicating possibility or permission in the passive voice. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it describes actions that are allowed or likely to occur, particularly in technical or formal contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be executed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction that signifies possibility or permission for an action to take place. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its usage is common across scientific, news, and academic domains, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig. While appropriate for formal and technical contexts, it might sound stilted in informal settings. When writing, consider synonyms like "can be performed" or "might be carried out" depending on the desired nuance and audience. Remember that "may" indicates a possibility, while "will" denotes certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be performed

Replaces "executed" with "performed", offering a slightly more formal tone.

could be implemented

Substitutes "executed" with "implemented", emphasizing the act of putting something into effect.

might be carried out

Uses "might" instead of "may", suggesting a slightly lower probability of the action occurring.

is liable to be done

Indicates a stronger likelihood or obligation for the action to be performed.

is permitted to be enacted

Highlights the permission aspect, with a more legalistic connotation.

is allowed to be conducted

Focuses on the permissibility of the action, with a slightly more formal tone than "may".

is subject to be enforced

Implies that the action is under some law or regulation and requires enforcing.

can potentially be realized

Replaces "executed" with "realized", suggesting the action may turn into reality.

is capable of being achieved

Highlights the possibility of successful completion or attainment.

is apt to be put in practice

Indicates a natural tendency or suitability for the action to be carried out.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "may be executed" to sound less formal?

Consider using alternatives such as "can be done", "can be performed", or "might happen" depending on the context. The level of formality should match your audience and purpose.

What's the difference between "may be executed" and "will be executed"?

"May be executed" implies a possibility or permission, while "will be executed" indicates a certainty or a scheduled event. For example, "The program may be executed later" versus "The program will be executed tomorrow".

Is it correct to use "may be executed" in business writing?

Yes, "may be executed" is appropriate for business writing, particularly when discussing plans or actions that are contingent or possible. However, consider "could be implemented" or "can be performed" as alternatives for conciseness.

When is it better to use "might be executed" instead of "may be executed"?

"Might be executed" suggests a lower probability than "may be executed". Use "might" when you want to express a more remote possibility or uncertainty. Both are correct, but they convey different levels of likelihood.