may be obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be obtained" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are suggesting that something is possible to acquire. For example, "The required documents may be obtained from the local library."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They may be obtained overtly or covertly.

The Guardian

A natural loadstone may be obtained.

Princeton University

Copies also may be obtained by mail.

Cornell University

They may be obtained by calling [phone].

The New York Times - Sports

Particulars may be obtained from the Secretary of the Society.

Nature

Information may be obtained by calling (201) 487-900201

The New York Times - Arts

Ticket information may be obtained at nycitycenter.org.org

The New York Times

Additional information may be obtained from the department.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Information may be obtained by calling 253-4882.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Further information may be obtained from Dr. Barry S. Johnston.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Further information may be obtained by visiting the foundation's website.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be obtained", ensure that the context clearly indicates how and from where the subject can be acquired. For example, "Further information may be obtained from the department's website."

Common error

Avoid using "may be obtained" without specifying the source or method of acquisition. For example, instead of saying "Results may be obtained", specify "Results may be obtained from the survey data."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be obtained" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something is capable of being acquired or received. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

34%

News & Media

33%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be obtained" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of acquiring something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and frequent usage in formal contexts like academic writing, news reporting, and scientific publications. To enhance clarity, always specify the source or method of acquisition. While "may be obtained" is generally formal, alternatives such as "can be accessed" or "could be gotten" may be suitable for more informal communication. Using "may be obtained" correctly ensures your writing is precise and informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be acquired

Changes "obtained" to "acquired", offering a slightly more formal synonym for acquisition.

can be received

Substitutes "obtained" with "received", focusing on the act of getting something.

could be gotten

Replaces "may be" with "could be" and "obtained" with "gotten", resulting in a more informal tone.

might be procured

Uses "might be" for a weaker possibility and "procured" for a more formal acquisition.

is potentially available

Rephrases the idea using "potentially available", focusing on the existence of the possibility.

can be accessed

Shifts the focus to the accessibility of something rather than the act of obtaining it.

are possibly attainable

Employs "possibly attainable" to emphasize the achievability of something.

it is possible to get

Rephrases the sentence structure to emphasize the possibility of getting something.

is available for acquisition

Formal rephrasing that highlights the availability of something for acquisition.

one can secure

Uses a more direct and active voice, suggesting that someone can actively secure something.

FAQs

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

Use "may be obtained" to indicate the possibility of acquiring something. For instance, "A copy of the report "may be obtained" from the office."

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

You can use alternatives like "can be acquired", "can be received", or "could be gotten" depending on the context.

Is "may be obtained" formal or informal?

"May be obtained" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more informal contexts, phrases like "could be gotten" or "can be accessed" might be more appropriate.

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

"May be obtained" suggests a possibility, while "can be obtained" indicates a capability or permission. "Information "may be obtained" from the website" suggests it's possible to get the information there. "Information "can be obtained" from the website" suggests that the website is the authorized source for the information.