may be implicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be implicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone or something being involved in a situation, often in a legal or investigative context. Example: "The investigation revealed that several individuals may be implicated in the fraud scheme."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Googling indicates that Baskin Robbins may be implicated).

The New Yorker

The cause is usually unknown, though injury may be implicated in some cases.

Britannica

This means potentially 150 trillion connections, all of which may be implicated in storing memory.

The Guardian - Opinion

These exposures may be implicated in the association of socioeconomic status with health in two ways.

Social Science & Medicine

HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) may be implicated in cancer development and progression.

Clinica Chimica Acta

Objectives: Increased free radical activity and lipid peroxidation may be implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Clinical Biochemistry

Elevated endogenous ADMA may be implicated in diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction and macroangiopathy.

Life Sciences

The Plantaris Longus Tendon (PLT) may be implicated in Achilles (AT) tendinopathy.

Foot and Ankle Surgery

Thus, galectin-9 may be implicated in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

Therefore, leukotriene D4 may be implicated in the pathogenesis of seizures.

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids

Therefore inducible nitric oxide synthase may be implicated in the development of seizures.

Nitric Oxide

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be implicated" when discussing potential involvement in a negative or undesirable situation, such as a crime, disease, or problem.

Common error

Avoid using "may be implicated" when a stronger term like "is" or "has been proven to be" is more accurate. "May be implicated" suggests uncertainty, so ensure this aligns with the available evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be implicated" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential involvement. It suggests that someone or something could be connected to a particular situation or event, often with negative connotations. As shown by Ludwig, the structure suggests uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be implicated" is a common and grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to suggest a possible, but not confirmed, connection or involvement, typically in a negative context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in scientific and news-related sources, indicating a formal and cautious tone. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what is potentially being implicated and avoid overstating the level of involvement. Alternatives such as "could be involved" or "might be connected" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be involved

Suggests a possibility of involvement, similar to "may be implicated", but uses a more direct and common verb.

might be connected

Emphasizes a potential link or association, rather than direct involvement.

could be associated with

Highlights a possible correlation or relationship, without necessarily implying direct causation or involvement.

might play a role in

Suggests a potential contribution or influence, focusing on the action rather than direct implication.

is potentially linked to

Similar to "might be connected", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the potential link.

is possibly responsible for

Implicates a potential cause or agent, suggesting accountability.

is suspected of contributing to

Suggests a contribution, but adds an element of suspicion or doubt.

has a potential connection to

Emphasizes a potential connection, making it clear that it's not yet confirmed.

is under suspicion for

Highlights that something is being investigated and potentially connected to an issue.

is conceivably tied to

Focuses on a less obvious or less direct tie or relationship.

FAQs

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

Use "may be implicated" to suggest a possible connection or involvement in something, typically something negative. For example, "Certain chemicals "may be implicated" in the development of the disease."

What's the difference between "may be implicated" and "is involved"?

"May be implicated" suggests a possibility or suspicion, while "is involved" indicates a confirmed fact. Use "may be implicated" when the involvement is not yet proven.

Are there formal alternatives to "may be implicated"?

Yes, consider using phrases like "could be associated with" or "might play a role in" in formal contexts.

When is it inappropriate to use "may be implicated"?

Avoid using "may be implicated" when discussing positive or neutral situations, or when there is no element of uncertainty. It's best suited for scenarios where there is potential blame, risk, or negative consequence.