may be reconciled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be reconciled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of bringing two or more differing ideas, opinions, or situations into agreement or harmony. Example: "Despite their differences, the two parties may be reconciled through open dialogue and compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Okinawans may be reconciled to being Japanese.

The Economist

How those divergent views may be reconciled remains to be seen.

The New York Times

This may be reconciled with a delayed employment adjustment for firms that start exhausting any margin of wage adjustment.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Some of these differences may be reconciled by frequency-dependent variations in seismic wave radiation from the down-dip and up-dip regions (e.g., Koper et al., 2011).

Earth, Planets and Space

The discrepancy between the modern rates measured here and the long-term rates may be reconciled by considering the high erosional efficiency of glaciers.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

In this review, we summarize the major findings from each of these models and their limitations as well as how discrepancies between these models may be reconciled.

Brain Research Bulletin

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Political scientists point to cognitive dissonance, a psychological theory sometimes applied to political behavior, as being responsible for the way some people may be reconciling reports that the war is not going well with their belief that it is going well.

The New York Times

Rumors are swirling that Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez may be reconciling once again, but the question of why they broke up in the first place has never been answered -- until now.

Huffington Post

Moreover, he said, as a practical matter, the conflicting appellate rulings may not be reconciled anytime soon.

The New York Times

But they are there, and may not be reconciled to watching the West reign undisputed in what they once saw as their own backyard.

The Economist

The playwright and the professor may never be reconciled about the cause of Harding's death, but the President's reputation is improving.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be reconciled" to suggest a possibility, rather than a certainty, of resolution or agreement between differing concepts or entities. This phrasing introduces a degree of uncertainty that allows for flexibility in interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "may be reconciled" when a resolution is already confirmed or highly probable. Using stronger language, such as "has been reconciled" or "is reconciled", provides clarity and accuracy in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be reconciled" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the possibility or potential for two or more things to be brought into agreement or harmony. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

21%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be reconciled" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate the possibility of bringing differing elements into agreement or harmony. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, primarily science and news media. While "may be reconciled" suggests a degree of uncertainty, it's well-suited for formal writing and carries a neutral to formal register. Related phrases, like "could be harmonized" or "might be resolved", provide alternative options depending on the intended nuance. When using "may be reconciled", ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of potential resolution, rather than a confirmed state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be harmonized

Indicates a blending of elements into a pleasing whole, suggesting a smoother resolution.

might be resolved

Emphasizes the potential for a solution or settlement of a dispute or inconsistency.

could be accommodated

Suggests making adjustments to allow different elements to coexist or fit together.

can be brought into agreement

Focuses on the active process of aligning differing viewpoints or positions.

can be made compatible

Highlights the potential for different entities or systems to function together effectively.

might find common ground

Implies a search for shared beliefs or interests as a basis for reconciliation.

can be unified

Suggests a merging of disparate elements into a single, cohesive whole.

could reach a compromise

Emphasizes mutual concessions to achieve a workable agreement.

can be settled

Indicates a formal or definitive resolution of a conflict or disagreement.

might be synthesized

Implies combining different elements to create something new and integrated.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be reconciled" suggests a possibility of bringing differing ideas or situations into agreement. For example, "Their conflicting accounts "can be reconciled" with further investigation."

What's the difference between "may be reconciled" and "is reconciled"?

"May be reconciled" indicates a possibility or potential for agreement, whereas "is reconciled" confirms that agreement has already been achieved. The former expresses uncertainty; the latter, certainty.

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

Alternatives include phrases like "could be harmonized", "might be resolved", or "can be accommodated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "may be reconciled" in formal writing?

Yes, "may be reconciled" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, or business contexts where expressing potential resolutions or agreements is common. Its use indicates a considered and nuanced perspective.