may be purchased

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be purchased" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is available for sale or can be bought. Example: "The latest edition of the book may be purchased online or at your local bookstore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tickets may be purchased at the door.

The New York Times - Sports

(Sliced meat may be purchased from Korean markets, sometimes marinated).

The New York Times - Food

Liability insurance may be purchased to cover these contingencies.

Britannica

Tickets to the previews may be purchased at the door.

The New York Times - Arts

Study guides may be purchased for approx. $25.

Columbia University

Topographic maps may be purchased from the same address.

University of California, Berkeley

Borrowing privileges may be purchased for $30 per month.

Columbia University

Abstracts available online, and full reports may be purchased.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tickets are $125 and may be purchased by calling [phone], extension 255.

The New York Times

Caches with the error on the cancellation mark may be purchased at the Danbury Music Center.

The New York Times

Portables like the Samsung and NEC models may be purchased initially for use on the job.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be purchased" when you want to indicate that an item is available for sale, but the purchase isn't mandatory or the only option. This is useful in contexts where other possibilities exist, such as borrowing or renting.

Common error

Avoid using "may be purchased" in very casual conversations or writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can be bought" or "is for sale" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be purchased" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is available for sale. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. It highlights the possibility of acquiring something through purchase, as shown in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be purchased" is a grammatically sound and versatile option for indicating that something is available for sale. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for neutral to formal contexts. It's commonly found in news articles, academic materials, and general guides, with news and media being the most frequent context. For informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "can be bought" or "is for sale". Keep in mind the possibility of other options besides purchasing, such as renting or borrowing when choosing the best phrase to convey your intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be bought

Replaces the modal verb 'may' with 'can', indicating ability or possibility in a more direct way.

is available for purchase

Uses a more formal structure emphasizing the availability of something for buying.

is for sale

A straightforward way of saying something is being offered to be bought.

is obtainable

Indicates something is able to be obtained, whether through purchase or other means.

can be acquired

Emphasizes the act of gaining possession, which may or may not involve a monetary transaction.

is procurable

A more formal and less common synonym for 'obtainable'.

can be secured

Suggests the action of acquiring possession of something, but could be through purchase or other means.

is on offer

Indicates something is currently available, potentially as a limited-time deal.

can be accessed

Suggests availability, implying potential purchase or other means of access.

is up for grabs

An informal way to say something is available and can be acquired, though not necessarily purchased.

FAQs

What does "may be purchased" mean?

The phrase "may be purchased" means that something is available for sale. It indicates that buying the item is an option, but it isn't necessarily the only way to obtain it.

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

Use "may be purchased" when you want to state that something is available for buying, especially when other options like renting or borrowing are also possible. It's suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

What can I say instead of "may be purchased"?

Alternatives include "can be bought", "is available for purchase", or "is for sale", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "may be purchased" and "can be purchased"?

While both phrases indicate availability for sale, "may be purchased" suggests a possibility or permission, whereas "can be purchased" implies ability or capability. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.