may be said

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be said" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when one is expressing a point of view. Example sentence: It may be said that ice cream is the best dessert.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This much may be said.

The New York Times

The same may be said of him.

The New York Times

The contracts of insurance may be said to be interdependent.

Cornell University

Since the sensitivity indexes are time dependent, the analysis may be said to be a dynamic sensitivity analysis.

Chemical Engineering Science

Following the terminology of Palmor (1980), it may be said that the practical stability is not always guaranteed.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Instead, it may be said only this type of DSP processor architecture is suitable or not for a certain application.

Embedded DSP Processor Design Application Specific Instruction Set Processors

The tide of industry may be said to have changed the whole material aspect of the City and its surroundings.

Handbook to Bristol and the Neighbourhood with Map (In Excursion Pamphlets) Prepared by Various Authors, for the Publications Sub-Committee

It may be said that nickel selenide is a promising catalytic material to replace the expensive platinum in a DSSC.

Nano Energy

The same may be said of the entire city.

Independent

The same may be said of Israeli banks.

The New Yorker

The same may be said of black punters.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for "may be said" to soften a potentially controversial statement or to present an idea as one of several possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "may be said" excessively in informal writing or conversation. Simpler phrases like "it can be said" or more direct statements are often preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be said" serves as a hedging device, softening a statement and indicating that it's presented as an opinion or one possible interpretation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it introduces a point of view rather than a definitive declaration. Examples found via Ludwig, highlight its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be said" functions as a hedging phrase, introducing subjectivity into statements and framing them as opinions rather than absolute facts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability for expressing viewpoints. While common across varied registers, particularly in scientific, news, and academic sources, mindful application prevents overuse, especially in informal contexts. Alternatives include phrases such as "can be stated" or "it is arguable that", contingent on the required level of certainty and nuance. Understanding these subtleties enables writers to convey their message with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be stated

This alternative is more direct and assertive.

it is arguable that

This alternative introduces a degree of debate or opinion.

it could be asserted

This alternative suggests a confident declaration, though possibly debatable.

one might suggest

This alternative is more tentative and polite.

it is plausible that

This alternative indicates possibility and reasonableness.

it is conceivable that

This alternative implies something is possible or imaginable.

it is reasonable to assume

This alternative presents the statement as a logical conclusion.

it is understood that

This alternative suggests a common knowledge or accepted fact.

it is worth noting

This alternative emphasizes the importance or relevance of the statement.

we can infer that

This alternative suggests a conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be said" is used to introduce a statement, often expressing an opinion or a qualified assertion. Example: "It "may be said" that this approach is more effective."

What are some alternatives to "may be said"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be stated", "it is arguable that", or "it could be asserted", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "may be said" formal or informal?

"May be said" is generally considered a somewhat formal phrase. It is suitable for academic writing, news articles, and professional communication but may sound out of place in casual conversation.

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

Use "may be said" when you want to introduce a statement as one possible interpretation or opinion, rather than a definitive fact. It's useful for softening claims or acknowledging alternative viewpoints.