may be inflicted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be inflicted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing potential harm, punishment, or consequences that could be imposed on someone or something. Example: "If the rules are broken, penalties may be inflicted on the offenders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Penalties of up to seven years' imprisonment may be inflicted for desecrating these places.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Terror -- as opposed to terrorism -- may be inflicted by any loner with a vague political grievance and a gun.

The New York Times

Notably, that "the petitioner limits each of its claims to the harm that may be inflicted upon United States persons".

The New Yorker

We concluded ultimately it was a question of fear -- fear of physical pain that may be inflicted on her".

The New York Times

It is religious worship, and the question is whether that may be inflicted upon those who may not want it".

The New York Times

However, there is concern in the Wolves camp that further damage may be inflicted because of a burgeoning notoriety for physicality.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A cruel reality then, but is the music industry waking up to the strain it may be inflicting on its own artists?

The Guardian - Music

Even as Cisco suffers, it may be inflicting more pain on its competitors.

Forbes

Ponder on the idea that you may be inflicting the same pain that our antagonists have subjected us to.

Huffington Post

Because of all this, we are all quite ready to join adversarial groups without thinking about the harm we may be inflicting in order to gain the benefits of social acceptance, pride, and status.

Huffington Post

EU investment in UK medical research will be lost and further damage may well be inflicted by lower economic growth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be inflicted" when discussing potential negative consequences, penalties, or harm that could result from a specific action or situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is inflicting the action and who or what is receiving it.

Common error

Avoid using "may be inflicted" excessively in contexts where active voice would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "Damage may be inflicted by the storm", consider "The storm may inflict damage" for a more concise statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be inflicted" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential for something (the action of inflicting) to be done to someone or something. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its common use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be inflicted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a potential action or consequence. As Ludwig AI underlines, it is found across diverse sources, most notably in news media and scientific publications. The phrase functions as a modal passive construction, and its purpose is to express a possibility. When using "may be inflicted", ensure that the context is clear about who is potentially inflicting the action and upon whom or what it is being inflicted. Consider active voice alternatives for more direct statements and be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Finally, remember that "may" suggests a higher degree of possibility than "might".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be imposed

Changes the modal verb to 'could', suggesting a possibility, though potentially less immediate than 'may'.

might be applied

Replaces "inflicted" with "applied", indicating a more formal or systematic implementation of a consequence.

can be exacted

Uses "exacted" instead of "inflicted", implying a more forceful or demanding imposition.

could be brought about

Shifts the focus to the process of causing something to happen, rather than the direct act of inflicting.

may be brought to bear

Suggests a deliberate application of pressure or influence, rather than direct infliction.

might come to pass

Indicates that something could occur or happen, avoiding the direct implication of infliction.

can be sustained

Focuses on the experience of suffering or undergoing something, rather than the act of inflicting.

could be visited upon

Emphasizes the action as something that happens to someone, often with a sense of retribution or consequence.

may be visited on

Alternative of "could be visited upon", emphasizes the action as something that happens to someone, often with a sense of retribution or consequence.

can arise

Highlights the emergence of a situation or consequence, removing the direct agency implied by 'inflict'.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "may be inflicted" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "could be imposed", "might be applied", or "can be exacted". These options often convey a sense of authority or official action.

What are some situations where using "may be inflicted" is appropriate?

The phrase is suitable when discussing potential penalties, harm, or consequences that could arise from certain actions or events. For example, "Penalties "may be inflicted" for violating the terms of the agreement".

Is "may be inflicted" passive or active voice?

"May be inflicted" is in the passive voice. It emphasizes the recipient of the action rather than the actor. Active voice alternatives might include "someone may inflict" or "they could inflict".

What's the difference between ""may be inflicted"" and "might be inflicted"?

While both indicate possibility, "may" suggests a slightly higher probability or permissibility than "might". "May" can also imply that the infliction is within someone's power or authority, whereas "might" simply suggests a possibility.