may be incurred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be incurred" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possibility that a certain cost, obligation, or penalty could possibly arise. For example, "If you fail to return the item on time, a late fee may be incurred."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In some cases, a $50 fee may be incurred, but this may also be waived.

Britannica

Architectural technical debt (ATD) may be incurred when making architecture decisions.

Economics-Driven Software Architecture

Additional processing fees may be incurred if extra time is needed to process samples.

Cornell University

The garrison support operations in Australia made an appearance this time – "transition costs" may be incurred to close it.

The Guardian - Business

However, additional patient costs may be incurred.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

In addition to that, high overhead may be incurred.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Nevertheless, such assumption is impractical in the real world considering the cost may be incurred.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Additional fees may be incurred as a result of a cancellation or reschedule of the event.

Duke University

(2) An excessively high computational cost for training may be incurred.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

If an event requires a large amount of parking spaces, other costs may be incurred.

Duke University

However the following delays may be incurred: The delay in taking the CXR.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be incurred" to indicate a possibility rather than a certainty. It is suitable when discussing potential costs, fees, or liabilities that could arise under specific circumstances.

Common error

While "may be incurred" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing passive voice in your writing. Sometimes, an active construction can make your sentences more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "Additional costs may be incurred", consider "You might incur additional costs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be incurred" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates a possibility that a cost, obligation, or other negative consequence could arise. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

News & Media

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be incurred" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates a potential cost, fee, or liability. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's appropriate to use when discussing possibilities rather than certainties. It is frequently encountered in academic, scientific, and legal contexts, signifying a formal tone. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "could be accrued" or "might be sustained" to convey similar meanings. When writing, be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider whether an active construction might be more direct. This is based on analysis of numerous examples from diverse and authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be accrued

Replaces "may" with "could", suggesting a possibility, and "incurred" with "accrued", focusing on the accumulation of something over time.

might be sustained

Substitutes "may" with "might", indicating a possibility, and "incurred" with "sustained", which implies experiencing or suffering something.

may be experienced

Substitutes "incurred" with "experienced", focusing on undergoing or encountering something, typically a cost or difficulty.

can be generated

Replaces "may be incurred" with "can be generated", focusing on the potential creation or production of something, often costs or benefits.

may be subject to

Replaces "incurred" with "subject to", suggesting the possibility of being exposed to or affected by something, usually a rule, tax, or penalty.

may arise

Replaces the entire phrase with a simpler alternative, suggesting the possibility of something occurring or appearing.

can potentially arise

Emphasizes both the possibility and the potential nature of something occurring or emerging.

may become liable for

Focuses on the potential for becoming legally responsible for something, typically a debt or obligation.

could be exposed to

Suggests a potential risk or vulnerability, implying that someone might be subjected to something undesirable.

may be on the horizon

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate that something is likely to happen in the future.

FAQs

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

Use "may be incurred" to indicate a potential cost, fee, or liability. For example, "Late payment fees "may be incurred" if the bill is not paid on time."

What does "may be incurred" mean?

It means that something, usually a cost or penalty, could possibly be imposed or experienced as a result of a particular action or situation.

What are some alternatives to "may be incurred"?

Alternatives include "could be accrued", "might be sustained", or "may arise", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "will be incurred" or "may be incurred"?

"May be incurred" suggests a possibility, while "will be incurred" indicates certainty. Use "may" when the outcome is uncertain and depends on specific conditions. For example: "A fine "will be incurred" if you break the law" (certain) versus "A fine "may be incurred" if you break the law" (potential).