may be left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is allowed to remain or not be taken away in a particular context. Example: "Any items that are not claimed by the end of the day may be left in the lost and found."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Messages may be left at: simpletribute.com.com

The New York Times

Workstations may be left unattended at times.

University of California, Berkeley

Online condolences may be left at www.dayfunerals.com.

The New York Times

But these matters may be left for the present.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

No rubbish may be left in the park.

The New York Times - Travel

But tenants may be left with little choice.

The New York Times

Sometimes where there are breakdowns they may be left overnight.

The Guardian

Condolences may be left at the obituary section of independentdeathcare.com.com

The New York Times

A banknote may be left in your room for housekeeping.

The Guardian - Money

It may be left for the courts to decide.

The Washington Post

We may be left with no good fiscal options.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be left", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is being left, and the conditions under which this might occur. For instance, specify whether it's physical items, data, or people.

Common error

Avoid using "may be left" excessively in situations where an active voice would make the sentence more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "Mistakes may be left uncorrected", consider "You might not correct mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be left" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or permission. Examples from Ludwig show it used to express that something is allowed to remain or that a certain outcome is possible. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

29%

Science

25%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be left" is a versatile modal verb phrase indicating possibility or permission, commonly used across various contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific sources. When using "may be left", consider the context to ensure the intended nuance of permission or possibility is clear, and avoid overuse of the passive voice for more direct communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be left

Replaces "may" with "can", indicating possibility or permission.

might be left

Substitutes "may" with "might", suggesting a lower probability.

could be left

Uses "could" instead of "may", implying possibility depending on conditions.

may remain

Replaces "be left" with "remain", focusing on the state of staying.

may be remaining

Uses the continuous form to indicate an ongoing state of being left.

may stay behind

Replaces "be left" with "stay behind", emphasizing the action of not going forward.

may be abandoned

Emphasizes the possibility of being forsaken or deserted.

may be forgotten

Highlights the potential for being overlooked or unremembered.

may be excluded

Focuses on the possibility of being omitted or not included.

may be omitted

Emphasizes the chance of being excluded or not included.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using "might remain" or "could stay", depending on the specific context.

What does "may be left" imply in a legal context?

In legal contexts, "may be left" often implies that something is permissible or allowed to remain, subject to certain conditions or stipulations. It suggests a discretionary allowance rather than a mandatory requirement.

Is there a difference between "may be left" and "must be left"?

Yes, "may be left" indicates permission or possibility, suggesting something is allowed to remain. Conversely, "must be left" implies an obligation or requirement, meaning something is required to remain and cannot be removed.

What are some common synonyms for "may be left"?

Common synonyms include "can be left", "might be left", "could be left", and "may remain", each carrying slightly different nuances of possibility or permission.