may be exhibited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be exhibited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of something being shown or displayed, often in formal or academic contexts. Example: "The findings of the research may be exhibited at the upcoming conference to share insights with the broader community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

These images — of the Algonquian Indians and local flora and fauna — are immensely fragile and may be exhibited only once every 30 to 40 years, making this enchanting exhibition an event of historical importance as well.

The New York Times

Hydrogen bonding may be exhibited by any weakly acidic hydrogen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And they have many articles that may be exhibited in the future.

The New York Times - Arts

(It is not yet on view with the Hercules; it may be exhibited in 2010 if conservation work is completed).

The New York Times - Arts

Toleration may be exhibited by individuals, communities, or governments, and for a variety of reasons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now, or at least in the considerably near future, Brodsky's bookshelves and desk may be exhibited in their original places in his old flat, which is being converted into an apartment-museum.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Until we free public information from government secrecy, we may be exhibiting too much courtesy, deference and respect for authority.

The Guardian

The McMullen's eagerness to display the works, even as Matter denies or quashes reports on their authenticity, smacks of opportunism - the same reason that Matter may be exhibiting in selling them while there's still some question.

The Guardian - Opinion

Patients experiencing cravings for their medication along with symptoms like mood changes, difficulty sleeping, oversensitivity to stimuli and increased blood pressure may be exhibiting signs of dependence that has transitioned into abuse.

The Guardian

When political scientists begin deconstructing Tuesday's election and looking at demographics, Millburn may be Exhibit A. For the first time in the township's history, Democrats became the majority party on Millburn's township council, making a small but symbolically significant contribution to Democratic gains in historically Republican suburban strongholds.

The New York Times

Symptoms your machine may be exhibiting if it's affected include video distortion, lack of video or image despite a powered-on computer, or unexpected system restarts.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be exhibited" when indicating a possibility or potential for something to be displayed or shown, particularly in formal or academic writing. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being considered for exhibition.

Common error

Avoid using "may be exhibited" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "might be shown" or "could be displayed" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be exhibited" functions as a modal passive construction. 'May' expresses possibility, 'be' is the auxiliary verb, and 'exhibited' is the past participle. According to Ludwig, this structure suggests a potential action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be exhibited" is a modal passive construction used to express the possibility of something being displayed or shown. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it's frequently encountered in formal contexts like science, news, and encyclopedias. While highly versatile, its formal tone makes it less suitable for casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "could be displayed" or "might be shown" for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be displayed

Replaces "may" with "could", indicating a slightly lower degree of possibility.

might be shown

Substitutes "may" with "might", suggesting a similar level of possibility but with a more tentative tone.

can be displayed

Replaces "may" with "can", implying a greater degree of certainty or ability for something to be exhibited.

may be showcased

Replaces "exhibited" with "showcased", adding emphasis on the presentation and highlighting of the subject.

may be presented

Substitutes "exhibited" with "presented", focusing on the act of formally introducing or displaying something.

may be demonstrated

Replaces "exhibited" with "demonstrated", suggesting the showing of a process or quality.

may be put on display

Replaces "exhibited" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the act of arranging something for public viewing.

is potentially displayed

Emphasizes the potential for the display to occur.

is liable to be exhibited

Indicates a higher probability or expectation of something being exhibited.

has the possibility of being exhibited

A more formal and explicit way of expressing the potential for something to be exhibited.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be exhibited" is used to express the possibility of something being displayed or shown. For example, "The newly discovered artifacts "may be exhibited" at the museum next year."

What are some alternatives to "may be exhibited"?

You can use alternatives such as "could be displayed", "might be shown", or "can be presented" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "may be exhibited" formal or informal?

"May be exhibited" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, consider using alternatives like "might be displayed" or "could be shown".

What is the difference between "may be exhibited" and "will be exhibited"?

"May be exhibited" indicates a possibility, whereas "will be exhibited" suggests a higher degree of certainty. "Will be exhibited" implies a confirmed plan, while ""may be exhibited"" leaves room for uncertainty.