may be opened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be opened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is allowed or possible to be opened, often in a formal or instructional context. Example: "The sealed envelope may be opened only by the designated recipient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This Parcel May Be Opened for Postal Inspection".

The New Yorker

More cases may be opened soon, he suggested.

The New York Times

It may be opened to scholars, researchers and journalists.

The New York Times

Comments have been closed on this piece; they may be opened later.

The Guardian

If it meets expectations, other satellite locations in the city may be opened, he said.

The New York Times

The bridges and tunnels may be opened, the subways running, the office humming.

The New York Times - Arts

It may be opened only with the vote of five members of the Board of Regents.

The New York Times

Memories may be opened, but God's peace will be right there".

The Guardian

Meanwhile, the heart may be opened and the corrective operation performed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dig site has been filled in and marked with ropes, and may be opened again next summer.

The New York Times

If one or more Republican Guard divisions can be routed quickly, the way to Baghdad may be opened.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be opened", consider the level of formality required by the context. In formal settings, it clearly indicates permission or possibility. For more casual contexts, consider using "can be opened" or "could be opened".

Common error

Avoid using "may be opened" when you want to express certainty. "Will be opened" indicates a definite action, while "may be opened" suggests possibility or permission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be opened" functions as a passive construction expressing possibility or permission. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from postal inspections to heart surgery, reflecting a range of applications. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science & Research

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be opened" is a versatile construction used to express possibility or permission, confirmed as grammatically correct by Ludwig AI. Its high frequency in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias underlines its wide applicability across various contexts, although its usage is generally neutral in register. Consider similar phrases like ""can be opened"" or "could be opened" for contexts requiring different nuances. Remember to reserve "may be opened" for instances where possibility, rather than certainty, is intended. Ludwig's comprehensive examples illustrate the phrase's usage in scenarios ranging from formal postal procedures to technical scientific processes, providing clarity on its suitable applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be opened

Indicates ability or permission, similar to "may be opened" but implying a broader possibility.

could be opened

Suggests a potential or conditional action, slightly less direct than "may be opened".

might be opened

Expresses a lower probability than "may be opened", indicating a possibility that is less likely.

is allowed to be opened

Formally expresses permission, making it a more explicit alternative to "may be opened".

is permitted to open

Another formal way to express permission, similar to "is allowed to be opened".

is liable to be opened

Suggests a risk or likelihood of being opened, often due to specific circumstances.

has the potential to be opened

Emphasizes the capability or possibility of being opened, focusing on inherent potential.

is subject to being opened

Highlights that something is under the condition or possibility of being opened, often with implied regulations.

is authorized to be opened

Indicates formal approval or permission, suggesting a legal or official context.

is eligible to be opened

Implies that certain criteria must be met before something can be opened.

FAQs

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

Use "may be opened" to indicate that something is permitted or has the possibility of being opened. For example, "This package "can be opened" upon arrival" or "The file "might be opened" by authorized personnel only."

What phrases are similar to "may be opened"?

Similar phrases include ""can be opened"", "could be opened", or "is allowed to be opened". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "may be opened" grammatically correct?

Yes, "may be opened" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb "may" to indicate possibility or permission, followed by the passive voice "be opened".

What is the difference between "may be opened" and "will be opened"?

"May be opened" suggests a possibility or permission, while "will be opened" indicates a future certainty. For instance, "The gate "may be opened" after 6 PM" implies it might happen, whereas "The gate "will be opened" at 6 PM" means it is certain to happen.