may be shown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be shown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is possible to be displayed or demonstrated, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The results of the experiment may be shown in the following graphs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They may be shown on television.

Independent

This may be shown as follows.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The same may be shown, from the fact of rest.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The judge has ruled that the videotape may be shown in open court.

The New York Times - Arts

On the other hand, it may be shown in certain universities and certain private circles.

The New Yorker

Possibly a small snippet may be shown, while the searching ability is a valuable "transformative" application.

The Guardian - Tech

Good cause may be shown when the property is subject to diminution in value.

Cornell University

They may go on tour and may be shown at the Los Angeles auto show in November.

The New York Times

None of that will be broadcast live, but glimpses of the grand entrances may be shown later in the evening.

The New York Times

Then they may be shown photos of Ms. Butt's brother in Pakistan, who is looking for a wife.

The New York Times

Don't leave them alone right away and risk their wrath, which may be shown through inappropriate elimination or sudden shyness.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be shown" when indicating a possibility or potential for something to be demonstrated or displayed, especially in formal writing or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "may be shown" excessively, as overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider using active voice constructions where appropriate to make your statements more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be shown" functions as a passive construction indicating possibility or potential. It typically predicates that something has the capacity to be displayed, demonstrated, or revealed. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be shown" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction indicating possibility or potential, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most often in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications, reflecting a neutral to formal register. While versatile, be mindful of overusing passive voice. Alternatives like "can be displayed" or "might be exhibited" can add variety to your writing. The phrase serves to present information with a degree of conditionality, suggesting possibility without definitive certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be displayed

Suggests a possibility of being displayed or exhibited.

may be presented

Focuses on the act of presenting something, suggesting a formal context.

could be demonstrated

Emphasizes the potential for something to be proven or shown through evidence.

might be exhibited

Indicates a possibility of being put on display or presented.

might be revealed

Suggests the potential for something to become known or apparent.

can be illustrated

Highlights the possibility of explaining or clarifying something through examples.

may be exposed

Indicates a possibility of uncovering or bringing something to light.

could be unveiled

Implies the act of revealing or disclosing something that was previously hidden.

is able to be seen

Emphasizes the capability of something to be viewed or observed.

can potentially feature

Suggests that something has the possibility of appearing or being included.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be shown" is used to indicate a possibility or potential. For example: "The results of the study "may be shown" in the following graph."

What are some alternatives to "may be shown"?

Alternatives include "can be displayed", "might be exhibited", or "may be presented", depending on the context.

Is "may be shown" formal or informal?

"May be shown" tends to be more formal and is suitable for academic or professional writing. In informal contexts, phrases like "can be seen" or "could be displayed" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "may be shown" and "can be shown"?

"May be shown" suggests a possibility or permission, whereas "can be shown" indicates an ability or capability. "The data "may be shown" after approval" (permission) vs "The effectiveness "can be shown" through experiments" (ability).