may be got

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be got" is not commonly used in modern written English and may sound awkward or outdated.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that something can be obtained or acquired, but it is better to use more contemporary phrasing. Example: "The information may be got from the library archives."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Give it a good four years," says Jones. "I'm 55 now, I've may be got 10 years left and I want to do different things.

The Guardian - Sport

"In agriculture," he wrote, "I am only an amateur, having only that knolege which may be got from books, in the field I am entirely ignorant, & am now too old to learn".

The New York Times - Books

(these give the numerator), and 8 of the order 1, 9, 17, &c. ; then 8 and 5 give 13, so that the primary spiral expressed by 5/13 may be got from the number of secondary spirals parallel to one another.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Chael Sonnen, despite what ever his argument/excuse may be, got caught taking a performance enhancing drug (PED).

Huffington Post

(Hospital Key informant) 'We do not have committees or any structure to monitor for those infections that may be got from our health facility.

BMC Infectious Diseases

'We do not have committees or any structure to monitor for those infections that may be got from our health facility.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They may be getting impatient.

The Economist

But things may be getting better.

The Economist

Now Washington may be getting its turn.

The New York Times

That message may be getting across.

The New York Times - Arts

Disestablishment may be getting closer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "may be got" with more contemporary alternatives like "can be obtained" or "might be acquired" to improve clarity and relevance in modern writing. Using more common phrasing enhances readability and avoids an outdated tone.

Common error

Avoid relying on archaic phrases like "may be got" in formal or professional contexts. While grammatically sound, this wording can detract from your message by sounding stilted or old-fashioned. Opt for more current expressions to maintain a professional and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be got" functions as a passive construction expressing possibility. It indicates that something is able to be obtained or acquired. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically acceptable but not common in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be got" is a grammatically sound but somewhat outdated expression used to indicate that something can be obtained or acquired. Ludwig AI suggests that more contemporary alternatives like "can be obtained" or "might be acquired" are preferred in modern writing. While it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and academic sources, it's best to use more current phrasing to ensure clarity and relevance. The usage frequency is uncommon, with several authoritative sources employing it sparingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be obtained

Replaces "may be got" with a more common and direct expression of possibility and acquisition.

can be acquired

Similar to "can be obtained", this alternative emphasizes the act of gaining something.

might be obtained

Substitutes "may" with "might", offering a slightly less certain tone.

might be acquired

Like "might be obtained", this variant introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding the acquisition.

could be obtained

Employs "could" to suggest a potential but not definite possibility.

could be acquired

Parallel to "could be obtained", this version uses "acquired" to indicate potential gaining.

can be gained

Replaces "got" with "gained", focusing on the act of achieving or receiving something.

is obtainable

Shifts the structure to an adjective form, highlighting the availability of something.

is acquirable

Similar to "is obtainable", this presents the possibility of acquisition as a quality of something.

can be derived

Focuses on the extraction or source of something, suggesting it can be obtained from a particular place or process.

FAQs

What does "may be got" mean?

The phrase "may be got" means that something can be obtained or acquired. However, it's an outdated expression, and more common alternatives like "can be obtained" or "can be acquired" are generally preferred.

What are some alternatives to "may be got"?

Instead of "may be got", consider using phrases such as "can be obtained", "can be acquired", or "might be obtained". These options are more frequently used in contemporary English.

Is it grammatically correct to say "may be got"?

Yes, "may be got" is grammatically correct, but it is not a common phrase in modern English. While understandable, it's generally better to use more current alternatives like "can be obtained" or "could be acquired".

When should I use "may be got"?

While grammatically correct, it is best to avoid using "may be got" in most modern writing scenarios. If you want to indicate something can be acquired or obtained, it is advisable to use contemporary expressions like "can be obtained" or "is obtainable".