may be opposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be opposed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential disagreement or resistance to an idea, proposal, or action. Example: "The new policy may be opposed by some members of the committee due to its implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Vested interests may be opposed.

The New York Times

Some analysts have suggested the deal may be opposed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The New York Times

But she may be opposed for the party's nomination by candidates with deeper roots in the state.

The Economist

The Met accepts Hogan-Howe's questioning of the presumption of belief of victims may be opposed by some involved in policing, as well as groups supporting victims.

The Guardian

Thus, in a totalitarian state, a great many people may be opposed to the government but may fear to express their attitudes even to their families and friends.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While Mr. Mathews and the government may be opposed on how to handle the problem, they agree on how absurd the lending practices at Anglo Irish were.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Now, yes we will have political differences, yes in other parliaments we may be opposing parties, but within this chamber we are not.

Independent

Nearly two decades ago, Wayne Gretzky, then with the Edmonton Oilers, ridiculed the Devils as a "Mickey Mouse organization," and now the Devils, a two-time Stanley Cup franchise, may be opposing the original Mickey Mouse organization, the Walt Disney Company, which owns the Mighty Ducks.

The New York Times - Sports

Harriet Harman has called on her party to abstain on voting on the welfare and work bill (Image: Getty) Now, yes we will have political differences, yes in other parliaments we may be opposing parties, but within this chamber we are not.

Independent

There may be opposing forces that expand and contract the area of cortical domains representing the exposed orientation in early life.

Plosone

24, 25 Dexmedetomidine may be associated with dose-dependent cardiovascular effects in children; such effects may be opposing and depend on central or peripheral actions.

Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be opposed", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the opposing. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "will be opposed" when "may be opposed" is more appropriate. "Will" implies certainty, whereas "may" acknowledges a possibility rather than a definite outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be opposed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential for disagreement or resistance. It indicates that opposition is not certain, but rather a plausible outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be opposed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that expresses the possibility of resistance or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure clarity about who or what is doing the opposing and to avoid overstating the certainty of opposition. Alternatives like "could face opposition" or "might be challenged" can be used to vary the expression. Be mindful of the subtle difference between possibility and certainty when selecting "may be opposed" versus "will be opposed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be resisted

Replaces "may" with "could" and "opposed" with "resisted", indicating a possibility of resistance.

might be challenged

Substitutes "may" with "might" and "opposed" with "challenged", suggesting a potential questioning or dispute.

could face opposition

Rephrases to highlight the possibility of encountering resistance.

might encounter resistance

Similar to the above, but emphasizes the action of encountering resistance.

potentially be rejected

Focuses on the possibility of being turned down or refused.

potentially be refuted

Highlights the possibility of being proven wrong or disproven.

may encounter disapproval

Emphasizes a lack of approval or agreement.

might be contentious

Indicates the potential for causing debate or argument.

could be unwelcome

Suggests that something might not be well-received.

might be conflicting

Implies a potential clash or incompatibility.

FAQs

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

Use "may be opposed" to indicate a possibility of resistance or disagreement. For example, "The proposal "may be opposed" by some members of the board".

What's a good alternative to "may be opposed"?

Alternatives include "might be challenged", "could face opposition", or "might encounter resistance", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "will be opposed" instead of "may be opposed"?

While "will be opposed" is grammatically correct, it implies a certainty of opposition. "May be opposed" is more appropriate when the opposition is only a possibility, not a certainty.

What is the difference between "may be opposed" and "is opposed"?

"May be opposed" suggests a potential or possible opposition, whereas "is opposed" indicates an existing or current state of opposition. The former is hypothetical, the latter is factual.