may be procured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be procured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of obtaining something, often in a formal or technical context. Example: "The necessary materials may be procured from local suppliers to ensure timely project completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Restaurant, establishment where refreshments or meals may be procured by the public.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The vegetable portion of a prepared meal may be procured directly from a frozen-food processor, or raw vegetables may be frozen on site.

Britannica

But the agency does not set standards for donor age or health, and does not limit how long after death tissues may be procured, nor does it set minimum training standards for people who recover tissue.

The New York Times

In contrast, the right against compelled self-incrimination is not violated where a defendant is compelled only to be present so that certain incriminating evidence may be procured from him.

The Washington Post

While consultation fees may be low in MoPH network facilities (approximately US$2 33) (Government of Lebanon et al., 2014), not all diagnostic tests and medications are subsidized and if medications prescribed are not available in the facility or are not on the essential medicines list, they may be procured from private pharmacies where costs are higher.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

He was impressed by the commercial potential of this coast, recording that "many kinds of skins may be procured about here, including those of the leopard, fox, bullock, together with ostrich feathers and valuable minerals".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

On the one hand the public sector may be procuring insufficient drugs to meet the country's needs, on the other hand there may be a leakage of drugs from the public sector into the private sector, such as has been described in other countries [ 5, 22].

BMC Health Services Research

These companies also face the risk that their products, even if developed, may not be procured by the government because of competitive bidding.

The New York Times

A module may not be procured for a system under this subsection unless the module is useful independently of the other modules or useful in combination with another module previously procured for the system.

Cornell University

A rule of thumb requiring that a search warrant always be procured whenever practicable may be appealing from the vantage point of easy administration.

Cornell University

Delays in shipping medicines to a country may mean that they have to be procured locally.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be procured" in formal writing when indicating a possibility of obtaining something through a formal process. This phrase is particularly suited for legal, scientific, or business contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "may be procured" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can be obtained" or "is available" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be procured" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the possibility or potential for something to be obtained. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts where acquisition is not certain but possible.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be procured" is a grammatically sound modal verb phrase indicating that something has the possibility of being obtained, typically through a formal process. Ludwig highlights that while grammatically correct and usable in formal contexts such as scientific, legal, and business writing, it's less appropriate for casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "can be obtained" or "is available" for informal settings. Its usage is uncommon, appearing most frequently in scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be obtained

Replaces "may be" with "can be", suggesting possibility and capability in obtaining something.

could be acquired

Substitutes "procured" with "acquired" and "may" with "could", conveying a similar sense of possibility and possession.

might be secured

Replaces "may be" with "might be" and "procured" with "secured", implying a slightly more active effort in obtaining something.

is potentially available

Shifts the focus to availability rather than the act of obtaining, suggesting something is accessible under the right conditions.

can potentially be sourced

Emphasizes the origin or sourcing of the item, indicating it is possible to find it from a specific place.

is susceptible to being acquired

Highlights the vulnerability or likelihood of something being obtained, often implying a passive process.

might become accessible

Focuses on the future accessibility of something, suggesting a change in its current status.

is liable to be obtained

Implies a legal or probable condition where something will be acquired, often in a formal context.

can be readily accessed

Stresses the ease of obtaining something, indicating it is easily available.

is subject to procurement

Changes the grammatical structure to emphasize the process of procurement as a condition or requirement.

FAQs

What does "may be procured" mean?

The phrase "may be procured" means something is able to be obtained, usually through a formal or official process. It suggests a possibility, not a certainty, of acquisition.

When is it appropriate to use "may be procured"?

This phrase is suitable for formal contexts such as legal documents, scientific reports, or business proposals. It's less appropriate in casual conversations. You can use alternatives such as "can be obtained" or "might be acquired" for more informal settings.

What are some alternatives to "may be procured"?

Alternatives include "can be obtained", "could be acquired", "is available", or "can be sourced" depending on the specific context.

Is "may be procured" grammatically correct?

Yes, "may be procured" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard English structure of a modal verb ("may") followed by the passive voice ("be procured"). Ludwig confirms this with examples from reputable sources.