may be sanctioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be sanctioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where permission or approval is being discussed, often in legal, formal, or regulatory situations. Example: "The proposed changes to the policy may be sanctioned by the board during the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The university has been dogged for years by allegations of recruiting violations in several sports including football, and may be sanctioned by the panel.

The New York Times

"I said, 'I'm sorry this can't happen, this man is in hospital.' I was told [by my boss]: 'No, you've got to phone him and you've got to put this to him and he may be sanctioned.' I said I'm not doing it".

The Guardian

Reason #3: Consulting may be sanctioned by your employer.

Science Magazine

Non-participation in ALMP may be sanctioned by, e.g., reducing unemployment benefits.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organizers.

TechCrunch

It sends a poor message to other countries who may be sanctioned or on the Tier 3 list," Margon said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Your partner is best approached a tad more cautiously; there may be sanctions for what is deemed extravagant behaviour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The fact that a star of Mr. Ghesquiere's stature was found out may be sanction enough.

The New York Times

But he faces renewed calls to step down and Oyston, who has been on the Football League's board of directors since 2006, may also be sanctioned by the FA.

The Guardian - Sport

Even if an offence is not penalised due to advantage being played, the offender may still be sanctioned for misconduct at the next stoppage of play.

Wikipedia

"Marriage," as the term is used locally, refers to unions that may or may not have been sanctioned by a religious or civil authority.

AIDS and Behavior

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more direct language if the likelihood of sanctions is high. For example, use "will be sanctioned" instead of "may be sanctioned".

Common error

Avoid using "may be sanctioned" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and legalistic in contexts where simpler alternatives would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be sanctioned" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the potential for an entity to receive penalties or formal disapproval. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a possibility rather than a certainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be sanctioned" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates a possibility of facing penalties or consequences. As Ludwig AI has stated, the phrase is correct. It is most frequently used in news articles, scientific papers, and encyclopedias. While not overly common, it is well-understood and appropriate for formal contexts. When using the phrase, clarity is key: specify who might impose the sanction and for what reason. For less formal communication, consider using alternatives like "might be penalized" or "could face consequences". Overall, "may be sanctioned" is a valuable tool for communicating potential penalties, especially in legal and formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be subject to sanctions

Emphasizes the vulnerability to sanctions.

could incur sanctions

Focuses on the action of incurring or attracting sanctions.

might be penalized

Similar to "may be sanctioned" but emphasizes the act of penalizing.

could face penalties

Focuses more directly on the potential negative consequences or penalties.

may be disciplined

Similar, but conveys a stronger sense of formal action.

might face repercussions

Highlights the broader consequences that could arise.

could be censured

Implies a formal and public disapproval.

could be reprimanded

Implies a formal rebuke or censure, a specific type of sanction.

might be condemned

Conveys a strong sense of disapproval or judgment.

may be liable

Suggests legal responsibility or accountability.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be sanctioned" indicates a possibility of facing penalties or consequences for certain actions. For example, "If the company violates these regulations, it "may be sanctioned" by the governing body".

What is a less formal alternative to "may be sanctioned"?

For less formal situations, consider using phrases like "might be penalized", "could face consequences", or "might get in trouble". These alternatives convey a similar meaning without the formality of ""may be sanctioned"".

What's the difference between "may be sanctioned" and "will be sanctioned"?

"May be sanctioned" indicates a possibility or uncertainty regarding the imposition of sanctions, whereas "will be sanctioned" suggests a higher degree of certainty or inevitability. The choice depends on the confidence level of the outcome.

When is it appropriate to use "may be sanctioned" over "could be sanctioned"?

Both phrases indicate a possibility, but "may be sanctioned" is often perceived as slightly more formal. "Could be sanctioned" might be preferred in more general or informal contexts, while ""may be sanctioned"" is suitable for legal, regulatory, or formal scenarios.