may be set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the possibility of being established or determined. Example: "The parameters for the project may be set during the initial meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alternatively, bail may be set unusually high.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That may be set to change.

The Guardian

But that may be set to change.

The New York Times - Travel

environment variable that may be set.

Stanford University

For testing purposes, the telname may be set to "Test", the instrname may be set to "test", or the detname may be set to "test" or "specn".

Harvard University

Jamie Woon may be set for a second coming.

The Guardian - Music

Shakespeare's play may be set in 14th-century England.

The Guardian

But the legal precedent that may be set here matters.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, biofuels may be set to make a comeback.

The Guardian

Different standards may be set for different issues.

Harvard Business Review

This method may be set by either "neldermead" or "simplex".

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be set" when indicating a possibility or potential arrangement, especially in formal contexts. It suggests that a decision or configuration is not yet final but is under consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "may be set" excessively, as it can make your writing sound passive and less direct. Consider active voice alternatives for clarity and impact. For instance, instead of saying 'The date may be set by the committee', try 'The committee may set the date'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be set" functions as a passive construction indicating possibility or potential. It is commonly used to describe something that could be arranged, established, or determined in the future. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

33%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be set" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate possibility or potential arrangement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, academic, and scientific domains, showcasing its versatility. While it is essential to use it judiciously to avoid passive voice overuse, understanding its function and communicative purpose allows for effective and precise communication. The high expert rating and frequency of examples underline its acceptance and reliability in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be established

Emphasizes the potential for something to be brought into existence or formally recognized.

might be arranged

Focuses on the possibility of organizing or planning something.

can be determined

Highlights the ability to find out or decide something definitively.

could be configured

Implies the potential for adjusting or setting up something according to specific requirements.

might be scheduled

Emphasizes the possibility of assigning a time or date for an event or activity.

can be assigned

Highlights the ability to allocate or designate something for a particular purpose.

could be planned

Focuses on the potential for devising a strategy or course of action.

might be prepared

Implies the possibility of getting something ready for a specific purpose or event.

can be created

Highlights the ability to bring something into existence or produce something new.

could be initiated

Emphasizes the potential for starting or commencing a process or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be set" to indicate a potential arrangement or decision. For example, 'The agenda for the meeting "may be set" later this week' or 'The initial parameters "may be set" by the supervisor'.

What are some alternatives to "may be set"?

Alternatives include "could be established", "might be arranged", or "can be determined" depending on the specific context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance while conveying a similar meaning of possibility or arrangement.

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

"May be set" indicates a possibility, while "will be set" indicates a certainty. Use "may be set" when the arrangement is not yet confirmed and "will be set" when it has been decided. For instance, 'The schedule "may be set" if the weather is good' versus 'The schedule "will be set" tomorrow morning'.

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

"May be set" suggests permission or possibility, while "can be set" suggests ability or capability. "May be set" implies that it's permissible to set something, whereas "can be set" implies that something has the capacity to be set. For instance, 'The thermostat "may be set" to a lower temperature after 10 PM' versus 'The thermostat "can be set" to any temperature between 60 and 80 degrees'.