may be omitted

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be omitted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that an element is not an essential part of something. For example: "The final item on the agenda may be omitted if we don't have enough time to discuss it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If so, Monty Panesar may be omitted.

Independent

Abbreviations for volume and number "may be omitted".

The New Yorker

The series title "may be omitted to save space".

The New Yorker

In hot climates, the BTES may be omitted due to high levels of winter solar radiation.

Renewable Energy

Note: if the color is not desired, the beets may be omitted.

The New York Times - Magazine

It may be omitted if you only need an approximate region of interest.

Harvard University

As shown, the minimum and maximum range values may be omitted from the binning specification.

Harvard University

One or two of the three values may be omitted (ex: spec='1::10').

Harvard University

Site may be omitted due to caching failure by Google, redirect, or 0-byte response.

Harvard University

Site may be omitted due to robots.txt file that blocks SafeSearch indexing.

Harvard University

Further, as in Italian, the subject of a sentence may be omitted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be omitted", ensure the context clearly indicates why the element is optional. Specify the conditions under which it can be appropriately left out to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating that something "may be omitted" without providing specific reasons or conditions. Always clarify when and why it is acceptable to exclude the element to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be omitted" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is optional or non-essential. It highlights the possibility of something being excluded without affecting the overall validity or functionality. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples supporting this grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

Academia

18%

News & Media

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be omitted" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is optional or non-essential. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various domains, especially in science, academic writing, and news media. When using this phrase, clearly specify the conditions under which something can be omitted to prevent ambiguity. While "can be omitted" is a viable alternative, "may be omitted" often provides a more formal and deliberate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is optional

Emphasizes the choice of including or excluding something.

can be skipped

Suggests that something is not compulsory and can be bypassed.

is not required

Indicates a lack of necessity for something.

is not mandatory

Highlights that something is not obligatory.

can be left out

Suggests the act of exclusion from a set or list.

might be excluded

Indicates the possibility of something not being included.

could be disregarded

Suggests that something can be ignored or not taken into account.

need not be included

Formal way of saying that something is not essential for inclusion.

is dispensable

Highlights that something is not necessary and can be done without.

is not essential

Stresses that something is not a crucial part of a whole.

FAQs

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

Use "may be omitted" to indicate that something is optional or not essential in a particular context. For example, "This step "may be omitted" if the desired outcome is achieved earlier".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "may be omitted"?

Alternatives include "is optional", "is not required", or "can be skipped", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "may be omitted" instead of "must be omitted"?

"May be omitted" suggests a choice or flexibility, while "must be omitted" indicates a requirement or necessity. Use "may be omitted" when something is not essential, and "must be omitted" when it is incorrect or inappropriate to include something.

Is "can be omitted" interchangeable with "may be omitted"?

While similar, "may be omitted" is generally considered more formal and suggests permission or possibility. "Can be omitted" implies ability or capability. The choice depends on the desired tone and context. The difference is subtle but meaningful.