may be selected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be selected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is possible or allowed to be chosen among options. Example: "Participants in the study may be selected based on their age and health criteria."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After training, the correct motor sequence may be selected automatically by a single movement selection signal.

Neural Networks

There is Owen Farrell, but he may be selected out of position at inside-centre.

The Guardian - Sport

Other developers may be selected for other parts of the sweeping project, Mr. Fishman said.

The New York Times

Some works may be selected for inclusion in a time capsule to be sealed next January.

The New York Times

He is fourth among Eastern Conference guards in the voting, but he may be selected as a reserve by the coaches.

The New York Times - Sports

J. A. Happ, a product of their farm system, went 12-4 with a 2.93 E.R.A. and may be selected the N.L. rookie of the year.

The New York Times - Sports

Among pitchers, Roger Clemens may be selected, based on his performance and on his stated intention to retire after the season.

The New York Times - Sports

Thus, an inadequate QP may be selected.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

An opioid may be selected for its immunomodulatory effects.

Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia

One solution may be selected more than once.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Alternatively, a reduced subset of test conditions may be selected.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be selected" when expressing a possibility or a conditional outcome, particularly in formal or objective contexts. For instance, "Candidates who meet the criteria may be selected for an interview."

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on passive constructions like "may be selected", as they can sometimes obscure the actor and make the writing less direct. Consider active alternatives such as "the committee may select" to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be selected" functions as a modal passive construction. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses possibility or permission regarding the selection of something or someone. The auxiliary verb "may" indicates a degree of uncertainty, while the passive voice shifts the focus from the selector to the selected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be selected" is a versatile modal phrase used to express the possibility of something being chosen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its frequency is high, appearing predominantly in scientific and news contexts. While acceptable across different registers, it is best suited for formal to neutral communication. Be mindful of overusing the passive voice and explore active alternatives for more direct writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be chosen

Replaces "may" with "could", indicating possibility.

might be picked

Substitutes "may" with "might", suggesting a lower probability. Also, "picked" is a more informal synonym for "selected".

can be chosen

Replaces "may" with "can", indicating ability or permission.

could be designated

Uses "designated" instead of "selected", implying a more formal appointment.

might be designated

Combines the lower probability of "might" with the formality of "designated".

can be appointed

Substitutes both "may" and "selected" to imply the possibility of an official appointment.

are eligible for selection

Changes the structure to highlight eligibility rather than the act of selection itself.

are under consideration

Shifts focus to the process of considering something, rather than the outcome of selection.

are in the running

An idiomatic expression indicating a possibility of being selected, typically in a competitive context.

are potential candidates

Focuses on the status of being a candidate with a chance of selection.

FAQs

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

Use "may be selected" to indicate a possibility or a chance of something being chosen. For example, "Only the top candidates "may be selected" for the final round".

What are some alternatives to "may be selected"?

You can use alternatives like "could be chosen", "might be picked", or "can be chosen" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"May be selected" suggests a possibility, while "will be selected" indicates a certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the likelihood of selection based on the context.

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

"May be selected" implies possibility or permission, whereas "can be selected" suggests ability or capability. "The system "may be selected" if it meets the requirements", versus "The system "can be selected" because it is compatible with the hardware".