may be seen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be seen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is possible to observe or notice. Example: "The results of the experiment may be seen in the final report."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One may be seen as a paradox.

The New York Times - Arts

Branding programs may be seen as superfluous.

The New York Times

Nepheline may be seen in the matrix.

Britannica

It may be seen as an alternative to DS.

Optical Switching and Networking

These children follow Moon, as may be seen from earth.

Harvard University

However, even these judgments may be seen as value-laden.

The Guardian - Opinion

This may be seen clearly in the world of sports.

The New York Times

Sarkozysm may be seen as an avatar of Berlusconism.

The Guardian - Opinion

A second installation may be seen as a pirate copy.

The Guardian - Tech

Holy communion may be seen as the sacrament of assurance.

The Guardian - Opinion

His cartoon may be seen at washingtonpost.com/realestate.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be seen" to indicate a possibility or potential for observation, rather than a certainty. This adds a layer of nuance to your writing, suggesting an openness to interpretation or further investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "may be seen" when a more direct and active verb would improve clarity and impact. For example, instead of "The effect may be seen in the data", consider "The data demonstrates the effect."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be seen" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is capable of being observed or understood. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a potential for observation rather than a definitive statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be seen" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a potential or possibility for observation or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While "may be seen" is common, consider direct verbs for clarity. Related phrases such as "can be observed" or "might be visible" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. Remember that while widely accepted, overuse should be prevented, and a more direct phrasing should be preferenced for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be observed

Suggests a capability or possibility of observation.

might be visible

Indicates a possibility of something being perceived visually.

could be noticed

Emphasizes the potential for something to be detected or remarked.

is potentially observable

Highlights the potential for observation under certain conditions.

may be detected

Focuses on the act of discovering something, often through specific methods.

can be discerned

Implies a careful and attentive observation to distinguish something.

is possibly apparent

Suggests that something might be evident or easily perceived.

could be perceived

Highlights the potential for something to be understood or interpreted.

is liable to be noticed

Indicates a high probability of something being observed.

may be distinguished

Emphasizes the ability to differentiate something from others.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "This may be seen as a problem"?

Alternatives include "This "could be considered" a problem", "This "might appear" as a problem", or "This "can be interpreted" as a problem depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "may be seen" and "can be seen"?

"May be seen" implies a possibility or potential for observation, while "can be seen" suggests a capability or general possibility. "This may be seen as progress" suggests it's one possible interpretation, while "This can be seen as progress" implies it's generally possible to view it that way.

Is it better to use "may be seen" or a more direct verb in scientific writing?

While "may be seen" is grammatically correct, using a more direct verb can often improve clarity and conciseness in scientific writing. For instance, instead of "Changes may be seen in the results", consider "The results demonstrate changes".

What are some formal alternatives to "may be seen" in academic writing?

Formal alternatives include "it is possible to observe", "it is conceivable that", or "it can be inferred that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.