may be foregone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be foregone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something can be omitted or passed over, often in a context where a decision or action is being considered. Example: "In certain circumstances, the formalities of the meeting may be foregone to expedite the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We need reassurance that it can deliver the benefits intended and that these benefits are greater than those of other transport schemes – whether in the department's project pipeline or not – which may be foregone.

The Guardian

"The fundamental conclusions of a Lehrman-Grant commission to consider a gold standard may be foregone: We're for it," Mr. Grant wrote in the latest issue of his publication.

The New York Times

"We need reassurance that it can deliver the benefits intended and that those benefits are greater than those of other transport schemes - whether in the department's project pipeline or not - which may be foregone," it said.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If such a loss merited a bonus to be foregone, what would a bigger loss merit?

The Guardian - Opinion

The point is that some pleasures ought to be foregone for ethical reasons.

WikiHow

"In consequence, large sums in penalties have been foregone," Avaaz states.

The Guardian

If the show does nothing but reward military-style wits and agility, the winners are foregone.

The New York Times - Arts

Hallucinogens were imbibed, Captain Beefheart records were studied, some washing was foregone and schroomadealica was born.

The Guardian - Music

But the climate change levy raises less than is foregone by the national insurance cut.

The Guardian

But that's OK since the conclusion is foregone.

Forbes

The conclusion is foregone.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be foregone" when you want to express that an action or option is permissible to omit, but not necessarily required. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being considered for omission.

Common error

Avoid using "may be foregone" too frequently in less formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "can be skipped" or "can be left out".

Linguistic Context

"May be foregone" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating that something is permissible to omit or relinquish. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and found in various sources, although its frequency is relatively low.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be foregone" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to indicate that something is permissible to omit or relinquish. As Ludwig AI confirms, while accurate, it is relatively infrequent and leans toward more formal and scientific registers, often used to express considerations of trade-offs or efficiencies. Consider simpler alternatives like "can be omitted" in less formal contexts. Its primary function is to suggest possibility of skipping an action or requirement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be omitted

Emphasizes the ability to leave something out.

could be waived

Focuses on the act of voluntarily giving up a right or requirement.

might be bypassed

Suggests a way to go around something, avoiding it altogether.

may be passed over

Highlights the act of overlooking or ignoring something.

can be dispensed with

Indicates that something is not necessary and can be removed.

might be relinquished

Emphasizes the act of giving something up, usually voluntarily.

could be sacrificed

Highlights the giving up of something valuable for the sake of something else.

may be yielded

Suggests reluctantly giving up something.

can be set aside

Indicates that something is temporarily put to the side or not considered.

might be skipped

Implies a deliberate decision to leave something out or not do it.

FAQs

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

Use "may be foregone" to indicate that something is permissible to omit or skip. For example, "In certain situations, the initial steps "may be foregone" to save time".

What does "may be foregone" mean?

"May be foregone" means something can be omitted or relinquished, often because it is not essential or can be sacrificed for another purpose.

Which is more appropriate: "may be foregone" or "can be omitted"?

Both "may be foregone" and "can be omitted" are correct, but "may be foregone" is more formal. Use "can be omitted" in informal contexts and "may be foregone" in formal or technical contexts.

What are some alternatives to "may be foregone"?

Alternatives include "can be waived", "might be bypassed", or "can be skipped", depending on the nuance you want to convey.