may be revealed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be revealed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of information or details being disclosed or uncovered in the future. Example: "The results of the investigation may be revealed in the upcoming press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This may be revealed in future acts of the play.

The Guardian - Opinion

The smallness of our capacity to understand may be revealed to us.

The New York Times

More information about Armstrong's intentions and his future may be revealed later this month.

The New York Times - Sports

Family after family fear that their identities may be revealed after I speak to them.

The Guardian

The tumour may be directly palpable, or it may be revealed by X rays or ultrasonography.

Britannica

In addition, other people's crimes or noncriminal wrongdoing may be revealed.

The Washington Post

These elements may be revealed, however, in the content of automatic writing.

Britannica

Besides, the spots may be revealed from spectral-line profile variability.

Advances in Space Research

Moreover, all this information is private and may be revealed under certain circumstances.

Expert Systems with Applications

Therefore, for these parameters limits of NIR/VIS spectroscopy may be revealed.

Food Control

The animal's exact age – and possibly the cause of its death – may be revealed if a tusk is found.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be revealed" to indicate a possibility, rather than a certainty, about future disclosures or discoveries. This is particularly useful in academic writing, news reporting, and formal communications where precision and nuance are important.

Common error

Avoid using "may be revealed" when you intend to express a definite outcome. "May" indicates possibility; "will" indicates certainty. Using "may" when "will" is appropriate can weaken your statement or create ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be revealed" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential disclosure. It suggests that certain information or aspects have the potential to become known or apparent in the future. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in a variety of contexts to express uncertainty about future disclosures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be revealed" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of future disclosure or discovery. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and its common usage across various contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. While it indicates a potential for information to come to light, it avoids making a definitive statement, maintaining a degree of uncertainty. Alternatives like "could be disclosed" or "might be unveiled" can be used to fine-tune the nuance. Remember to use "may" only when expressing possibility, not certainty, to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be disclosed

Replaces "may" with "could", suggesting a possibility but with less certainty.

might be unveiled

Substitutes "revealed" with "unveiled", implying a more dramatic or ceremonial disclosure.

can be uncovered

Emphasizes the potential for discovery rather than simple disclosure.

is potentially disclosed

Changes the verb structure to emphasize the potential nature of the disclosure.

could come to light

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of information becoming public.

might become apparent

Shifts the focus to something becoming obvious or evident.

is possibly unveiled

Highlights the uncertainty around whether the information will be revealed

can potentially be shown

Highlights the possibility for information being demonstrated or proven.

has the potential to be exposed

Emphasizes the potential for something previously hidden to be brought into the open, often with a negative connotation.

is liable to be unearthed

Indicates a likelihood of discovery, often implying that it will require effort or investigation.

FAQs

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

Use "may be revealed" to indicate a possibility that something will be disclosed or discovered in the future. For example: "The truth about the scandal "may be revealed" during the investigation."

What are some alternatives to "may be revealed"?

You can use alternatives such as "could be disclosed", "might be unveiled", or "can be uncovered" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "may be revealed" or "will be revealed"?

"May be revealed" suggests a possibility, while "will be revealed" indicates a certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of confidence you have in the disclosure or discovery occurring. For example if you are certain of the disclosure, use "will be revealed".

What does "may be revealed" imply about the information?

"May be revealed" implies that the information is currently hidden or not fully known, and there is a chance it will become public or understood in the future. The possibility of being known depends on external factors.