may be interrupted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be interrupted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to be paused or disrupted, often in the context of a process or activity. Example: "The presentation may be interrupted if there are technical difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Blogging may be interrupted!

The New York Times

Viewing sessions may be interrupted.

Cornell University

This process may be interrupted by WGM events.

Nature

In both cases, drug therapy may be interrupted".

The New York Times

However, the computations may be interrupted by faults occurring at run-time.

Journal of Systems Architecture

These fields may be interrupted by animated eyeballs rocketing this way and that, but abstraction prevails.

The New York Times - Arts

If it gets too loud, Iran's political evolution may be interrupted by violent, externally provoked change.

The Economist

Authors Doubleday, S., Trott S., & Feldman J. Actions may not proceed as planned; they may be interrupted, resumed or overridden.

University of California, Berkeley

The whole film has the quality of a dream that may be interrupted any moment by a different reality.

The New York Times

Opponents of the protest have said they are concerned that shipping may be interrupted, leaving store shelves bare.

The New York Times

Since FiWi is expected to carry a large amount of traffic, numerous traffic flows may be interrupted by the failure of network components.

Optical Fiber Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be interrupted", consider the context and choose alternative phrasing for clarity. Overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. If possible, specify what or who might cause the interruption for a stronger statement.

Common error

Avoid using "may be interrupted" excessively in your writing, as it can lead to a passive and less engaging style. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice construction. For example, instead of saying "the meeting may be interrupted by a phone call", consider saying "a phone call might interrupt the meeting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be interrupted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potential for disruption. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts, from technical processes to personal activities, as also seen in the Ludwig AI response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be interrupted" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the possibility of a disruption. As supported by Ludwig, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. While versatile, it's beneficial to avoid overuse of passive voice and consider specifying the cause of the potential interruption for clearer and more impactful writing. Alternatives like "could be disrupted" or "might be halted" can provide stylistic variety. Understanding these nuances will ensure effective communication across various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be disrupted

Emphasizes the possibility of a disturbance or hindrance.

might be halted

Focuses on the possibility of something being stopped or paused.

could be suspended

Highlights the potential for a temporary cessation.

might be paused

Suggests a temporary break or cessation.

could be terminated

Indicates a complete end or finish.

might be discontinued

Implies a cessation, often in a more permanent sense.

could be interfered with

Suggests external obstruction or meddling.

might be impeded

Focuses on obstruction or hindrance making progress difficult.

could be broken

Emphasizes a disruption or fracture in a process.

might be disturbed

Highlights the possibility of unsettling or disrupting a state.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be interrupted" to indicate the possibility of a disruption. For example, "The broadcast "may be interrupted" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to saying "may be interrupted"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could be disrupted", "might be halted", or "could be suspended", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "may be interrupted" or "might be interrupted"?

"May be interrupted" and "might be interrupted" are largely interchangeable, both expressing possibility. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "may be interrupted" and "will be interrupted"?

"May be interrupted" indicates a possibility, while "will be interrupted" suggests a higher degree of certainty or a scheduled event. For example, "the signal "may be interrupted"" versus "the program "will be interrupted" for a commercial break".