may be settled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be settled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of resolving a situation or issue in the future. Example: "The dispute between the two parties may be settled through mediation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The outcome of the election may be settled in Scotland.

The Guardian - Opinion

The "out of area" debate may be settled.

The Economist

Business day means any day that funds may be settled through ACH.

Cornell University

LUTHERANS DISCUSS UNION.; Merger of Ministerium and Synods May Be Settled Today.

The New York Times

Other administration officials hinted that the trade dispute ultimately may be settled at the bargaining table.

The Washington Post

As it happens, those questions may be settled in less than a year.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The Buckeyes may be settling for a trip to Pasadena, but the Longhorns are ecstatic.

The New York Times

The bank that may be settling your bills with money freshly laundered by terrorists.

The Guardian

The aging process may be settling in, but this does not inhibit my life.

The New York Times

The dust may be settling on this dispute more quickly than it might have done.

The Economist

Stoke meanwhile may be settling into a false sense of security.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be settled", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is responsible for the potential resolution. Providing specifics enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "may be settled" excessively in contexts where active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The dispute may be settled by the mediator", consider "The mediator may settle the dispute."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be settled" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential future action. It suggests that a situation or issue has the capacity to be resolved or concluded. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be settled" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of a future resolution. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its correct grammatical standing and prevalence across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media and academic spheres. While grammatically sound, effective writing advises careful consideration of active voice alternatives for enhanced directness. Related phrases such as "could be resolved" and "might be resolved" offer nuanced variations. Therefore, while "may be settled" is both grammatically correct and widely applicable, thoughtful usage ensures clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be resolved

Replaces "may" with "could", indicating a possibility but perhaps with a slightly lower degree of certainty.

might be resolved

Substitutes "may" with "might", suggesting a possibility that is less definite or probable.

could be adjudicated

Replaces "settled" with "adjudicated", implying a formal or legal resolution.

might be adjudicated

Uses "might" and "adjudicated", suggesting a less certain, formal resolution.

could reach a resolution

Replaces "be settled" with "reach a resolution", focusing on the act of achieving a solution.

might find a resolution

Substitutes "be settled" with "find a resolution", implying a discovery or attainment of a solution.

could be concluded

Replaces "settled" with "concluded", suggesting a termination or completion of a process.

might be finalized

Uses "might" and "finalized", emphasizing the completion and official closure of a matter.

is potentially resolvable

Changes the structure to an adjective phrase, focusing on the inherent ability to be resolved.

has the potential for resolution

Expresses the possibility of settlement in terms of potential, indicating a capacity for resolution to occur.

FAQs

What does "may be settled" mean?

The phrase "may be settled" indicates that there is a possibility or likelihood that a situation, dispute, or issue will be resolved or concluded in the future.

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

You can use "may be settled" to express the potential resolution of a conflict or problem, such as, "The legal dispute "may be settled" out of court."

Which is a better alternative to "may be settled", "could be resolved" or "might be resolved"?

The best alternative depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Could be resolved" suggests a possibility, while "might be resolved" indicates a slightly lower probability or more uncertainty.

What's the difference between ""may be settled"" and "is potentially resolvable"?

"May be settled" implies an action that could happen, focusing on the process. "Is potentially resolvable" describes a state or quality of being able to be resolved, focusing on the inherent possibility.