may be reported

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be reported" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is a possibility or likelihood of something being reported, often in formal or legal situations. Example: "Any suspicious activity may be reported to the authorities for further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Good deals may be reported to [email protected].

The New York Times

RIMA SUQI Good deals may be reported to [email protected].

The New York Times

Rettig said that "unfortunately it's likely" that more cases may be reported.

The Guardian

MARIANNE ROHRLICH Good deals and secret sources may be reported to [email protected].

The New York Times

Good deals and secret sources may be reported to [email protected].

The New York Times

The decision to grant an order of this kind may be reported, along with the court's reasoning.

The Guardian - Opinion

Overdoses on synthetic opioids "may be reported as a heroin overdose death unless the medical examiners dig down deep", said Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Russ Bare.

The Guardian

Some casualties in late July may be reported after the beginning of August, so the count is not yet definitive for the month.

The New York Times

But since Communist Party bosses usually have firm control over local police, courts and press, only a fraction of crimes may be reported in the controlled media.

The New York Times

"The matter may be reported to a national credit reporting agency," the notice read, effectively threatening a baby with a bad credit report.

The New York Times

In Britain, once a defendant is charged, until a trial is concluded only court proceedings may be reported.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be reported", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is responsible for the reporting action. For example, "Incidents may be reported by either the employer or the worker."

Common error

Avoid using "may be reported" excessively, as it can make your writing sound vague and less direct. Consider using an active voice construction when appropriate, like "You can report" or "Authorities will report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be reported" functions as a passive construction indicating possibility or permission for an action to be communicated officially. This aligns with Ludwig's observation that it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be reported" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that indicates the possibility or permission for something to be officially communicated. According to Ludwig, this phrase is accurate and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. While highly versatile, be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider using active voice for more directness. Its widespread usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian affirms its reliability and acceptance in formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be disclosed

Indicates a possibility of information being revealed, similar to reporting.

might be communicated

Suggests a potential communication of information, sharing the aspect of conveying something.

can be announced

Emphasizes the ability to make something publicly known, like a formal report.

could be notified

Focuses on the possibility of someone being officially informed.

may be revealed

Indicates that something hidden might become known, which can occur through reporting.

might be publicized

Highlights the potential for something to be made widely known, akin to broad reporting.

can be registered

Emphasizes the act of officially recording something, similar to filing a report.

could be documented

Focuses on the possibility of creating a written record, which relates to reporting.

might be filed

Suggests the potential for an official document to be submitted, like a report.

can be presented

Emphasizes the option to showcase or introduce something, aligning with presenting a report.

FAQs

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

Use "may be reported" to indicate a possibility or permission for something to be officially communicated or documented. For instance, "Suspicious activities "may be reported" to the authorities".

What are some alternatives to "may be reported"?

Alternatives include "could be disclosed", "might be communicated", or "can be announced", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does "may be reported" imply about the action of reporting?

The phrase suggests that the action of reporting is possible or permissible, but not necessarily mandatory. It leaves open the option for someone to choose whether or not to report something.

Is "may be reported" formal or informal?

"May be reported" leans towards a formal register, commonly found in official guidelines, legal texts, or news articles. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "can be told" or "might be said" might be more appropriate.