may be noticed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be noticed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is possible to observe or perceive, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "In the study, several trends may be noticed in the data collected over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may be noticed in this context that on many genes, the DS nucleosome shows mobility towards the gene under repressed state.

BMC Genomics

As time passes, these effects may be noticed in recently invaded areas such as Hawaii and Gabon as well.

Columbia University

PCOS symptoms can start in adolescence but may be noticed any time in a woman's reproductive life.

The New York Times - Health

The trigeminal component may be noticed (e.g. menthol) or perceptually ignored, leading to different neural substrates being recruited during odor encoding.

Neuroscience

It's different from, say, attention deficit-hyperactivity and learning disorders, which can cause behavioral problems that may be noticed by a parent or teacher.

Columbia University

Among the cases in which this question has been presented may be noticed Northwestern Fertilizing Co. v. Hyde Park, 97 U. S. 659, 24 L. ed.

Cornell University

Echoes like these may be noticed by some minds and not by others, but they will resonate identically in any ear that hears the poem read aloud.

The New York Times - Books

Cards with odd shapes, for example, can be good and bad -- they may be noticed, but they don't fit in traditional card holders.

The New York Times

The automaker said the effect would vary depending on the number and location of the bolts, but initially "noise and a minor handling effect may be noticed".

The New York Times

This type of weakness may be noticed when climbing stairs, arising from a deep chair, brushing the hair, or lifting an object.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The presence of gait and postural disturbances, of abnormal movements, and of atrophy may be noticed when the physician is taking the medical history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be noticed" in academic or formal writing, ensure that the statement is supported by evidence or observation. Avoid using it as a substitute for a more definitive statement when stronger evidence is available.

Common error

Avoid using "may be noticed" excessively in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can be seen" or "is visible" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be noticed" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential for something to be observed or perceived. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, such as scientific findings, physical symptoms, and general trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be noticed" is a versatile modal passive construction used to express the potential for observation across diverse contexts. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically sound and particularly prevalent in scientific, academic, and formal settings. While it softens assertions, it remains a reliable and authoritative choice for writers aiming for precision and a measured tone. Be mindful to avoid overuse in informal contexts, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be observed

Replaces "may be noticed" with a more direct assertion of observability, implying a slightly higher degree of certainty.

might be observed

Similar to "may be noticed" but suggests a slightly lower probability of observation.

can be seen

Offers a more visual-oriented alternative, focusing on what is visually perceptible.

might be detected

Emphasizes the act of discovering something, often through specific methods or instruments.

can be perceived

Highlights the sensory or cognitive apprehension of something.

could be identified

Focuses on the ability to recognize or distinguish something specific.

might be apparent

Suggests that something could be easily visible or understood.

can be discerned

Implies a more careful or insightful observation process.

could be recognized

Similar to "could be identified", but emphasizes the act of acknowledging something familiar.

might be uncovered

Implies that observation requires some effort or investigation to reveal something hidden.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be noticed" to indicate a possibility of observation, like in "Several changes "may be noticed" during the experiment".

What are some alternatives to "may be noticed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be observed", "might be detected", or "can be seen", depending on the specific context and the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

Is "may be noticed" formal or informal?

"May be noticed" leans towards a more formal register, often found in academic, scientific, or professional writing. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "may be noticed" and "can be noticed"?

"May be noticed" suggests a possibility or likelihood, while "can be noticed" implies a greater degree of certainty or ability to observe. The choice depends on the level of confidence in the observation.