may be shaped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be shaped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to be influenced or formed in a certain way. Example: "The final outcome of the project may be shaped by the feedback we receive from our clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When properly formulated, ETP may be shaped into mechanically functional, semiprecision parts or structural components.

Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook Processing, Materials, and Applications

In other words, these landscapes may be shaped less by long periods of boredom than by short periods of terror.

The New Yorker

The cornea is normally spherical, although in people with astigmatism, it may be shaped like a football or oval.

Harvard University

The general public's perceptions of climate change may be shaped by local climate impacts through the mechanism of experiential processing.

Cornell University

A chair back may be shaped in both front and side elevation (and often in plan as well).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The report, A Winning Personality, explores whether character traits which may be shaped by a child's background could be holding disadvantaged youngsters back in their future careers.

The Guardian

Morrell's most prized target, however, is the "tweenie" generation, pre-teens whose energy consumption habits may be shaped for the long term.

The Guardian

Yet, as the neuroscientist Antonio Damasio noted in Descarte's Error, our option set may be shaped by rationality, but it is emotion that binds us to action.

Harvard Business Review

Natural selection is a process that takes place over many generations, that may affect thousands or millions of individuals, and that may be shaped by many different conditions.

The New York Times - Science

Rather, as Morrissey Aptly illustrates, the requirements of due process may be shaped to fit the needs of a particular situation". United States ex rel.

Cornell University

The framing of competence as a binary "either-or" process may be shaped by the measurement tools and assessment methods used to define it.

Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be shaped", ensure the context clearly indicates the influencing factors or conditions. This enhances the clarity and impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "may be shaped" when the outcome is already known or highly predictable. Instead, use stronger verbs to reflect the actual level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be shaped" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is susceptible to being influenced or formed by external factors. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be shaped" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate the potential for influence or formation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While it denotes possibility rather than certainty, its effective use relies on clearly indicating the influencing factors. Remember to use it when you need to suggest an outcome is susceptible to change but avoid it when a stronger verb is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be formed

Focuses on the process of formation rather than the influencing factors.

could be influenced

Emphasizes the potential for influence, suggesting external factors at play.

might be molded

Implies a more direct and deliberate shaping process.

can be influenced by

Explicitly states that something is susceptible to being changed by outside factors.

could be determined by

Suggests that the outcome is decided or controlled by certain elements.

might be governed by

Indicates that something is regulated or directed by specific principles or forces.

can be structured by

Focuses on the act of giving a framework or organization under certain conditions.

could be dictated by

Implies a more authoritative or compulsory form of influence.

might evolve under

Suggests a gradual development or change occurring in specific conditions.

can arise from

Indicates that something can emerge or originate from a particular cause or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be shaped" to indicate that something has the potential to be influenced or formed in a certain way. For example: "The final outcome of the project "may be shaped" by the feedback we receive from our clients."

What are some alternatives to "may be shaped"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "may be shaped" include "can be formed", "could be influenced", or "might be molded".

Is it correct to say "may be shape" instead of "may be shaped"?

No, "may be shape" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "may be shaped", using the past participle of the verb "shape".

What is the difference between "may be shaped" and "is shaped"?

"May be shaped" indicates a possibility or potential for influence, while "is shaped" indicates a current state of being influenced or formed. "The policy "may be shaped" by public opinion" suggests the policy is still subject to change. "The policy "is shaped" by public opinion" indicates public opinion has already influenced the policy.