may be found

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be found" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express the possibility that something may exist or be located. For example: Many rare species of plants and animals may be found in the tropical rainforest.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consolations may be found.

The New York Times - Food

So more gas may be found.

The Economist

More details may be found at palmerfuneralhomes.com.

The New York Times

More genes may be found.

The New York Times - Health

(Information may be found online at www.designingforsecurity.org).org

The New York Times

The explanation may be found in evolution.

The Guardian

He may be found at simonajacobs.blogspot.com.

The Guardian - Books

Full details may be found at www.thecavendish.com.

The New York Times

Further instructions may be found here.

Harvard University

More information may be found here.

Yale University

Papers may be found at http://www.jz.org.jz.org

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be found" to indicate a possibility rather than a certainty. This softens the statement and acknowledges that the information or object is not guaranteed to be present or discoverable.

Common error

While "may be found" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can make the tone seem hesitant. Replace some instances with stronger alternatives like "is located" or "can be identified" to project more confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be found" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential. According to Ludwig, it expresses the chance that something can be located or discovered. The modal verb "may" expresses possibility, and "be found" is the passive form of the verb "find".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

24%

News & Media

53%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be found" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate the possibility of locating or discovering something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's prevalent across various contexts, particularly in academic writing, news reporting, and scientific publications. While "may be found" is widely accepted, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider stronger alternatives when certainty is intended. Understanding the subtle differences between "may be found" and phrases like "can be found" or "is located" helps ensure precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be located

Emphasizes the possibility of identifying the specific location of something.

could be discovered

Focuses on the potential for uncovering or finding something previously unknown.

might be present

Highlights the chance that something exists or is available in a certain place.

potentially exists

Underscores the possibility of something's existence, often in a theoretical or uncertain context.

is possibly situated

Suggests the potential location of something, often implying a degree of uncertainty.

is liable to be discovered

Focuses on the probability that something will eventually be found.

could turn up

Implies that something may appear unexpectedly or after a search.

is perhaps detectable

Highlights the ability to detect or identify something, often implying it may be difficult.

is conceivably located

Emphasizes the possibility of locating something, even if it seems unlikely.

may exist

Highlights the possibility of existence rather than discovery or location.

FAQs

How do I use "may be found" in a sentence?

Use "may be found" to indicate the possibility of something being located or discovered. For example, "More information "may be found" on our website."

What are some alternatives to "may be found"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "can be located", "could be discovered", or "might be present" as alternatives to "may be found".

Is it more appropriate to use "may be found" or "can be found"?

"May be found" suggests a possibility, while "can be found" implies a greater degree of certainty or ability. Choose the phrase that best reflects the likelihood of finding the information or object in question.

What is the difference between "may be found" and "is located"?

"May be found" indicates a possibility or potential for discovery, whereas "is located" states a definite fact about the current location of something.