may be squandered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be squandered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to be wasted or misused. Example: "If we do not manage our resources wisely, they may be squandered on unnecessary expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Otherwise the crucial early months of the presidency may be squandered.

The Economist

But any savings may be squandered in the run-up to the election.Honduras's politics has become as dysfunctional as its government and security forces.

The Economist

If America's next president gets Iraq wrong because he has boxed himself in during the campaign, all the recent gains may be squandered and Iraq will slide swiftly back into misery and despair.

The Economist

The letter also refers to recent statements by Prime Minister Wen, including an interview with CNN, which suggest that the nation's economic progress may be squandered unless the political system is further reformed.

The New York Times

The ruling party, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), underestimated the degree of disillusion with its policies, and thus overreacted when the opposition polled much better than expected.Unless the private sector is allowed to create jobs, the country's problems will continue to mount and the gains of development may be squandered.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

PAGE 22 Squandering Good Will To local Afghans, an American attack that killed three villagers earlier this month shows how the United States may be squandering the good will it gained in the war.

The New York Times

One of America's oldest and coldest cities may be squandering energy in prodigious amounts, a new study finds.

Science Magazine

We may be squandering our potential to truly improve the world by building silly apps in pursuit of riches, but there is another way to live and work, and Justin Rosenstein will share it at TechCrunch Disrupt NY.

TechCrunch

Despite different audiences, Mr. Clinton's spiel is virtually identical at every stop: The current prosperity may not last and should not be squandered with tax cuts.

The New York Times

I may have said that she still had a gift and that it shouldn't be squandered.

The New York Times - Magazine

This moment must not be squandered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be squandered" when you want to express a possibility that resources, opportunities, or advantages could be wasted if not managed carefully. For example, "The early gains in the project "may be squandered" if we don't maintain momentum."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "may be squandered" can sound overly dramatic in some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "could be wasted" or "might not be fully utilized" for a more nuanced tone in professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be squandered" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential risk. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and usable. It suggests that there is a chance something valuable could be wasted or misused if not handled properly.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be squandered" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey the possibility of wasting something valuable. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It functions as a warning, urging caution to prevent potential loss. While applicable in various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media sources. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "could be wasted" or "might not be fully utilized". Overall, understanding its nuances helps writers to communicate potential risks effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be wasted

Replaces "may" with "could", indicating a possibility that something will be wasted.

could be misused

Replaces "squandered" with "misused", focusing on incorrect or improper usage.

might be lost

Substitutes "squandered" with "lost", suggesting a potential disappearance or forfeiture.

may be dissipated

Uses "dissipated" instead of "squandered", implying a gradual depletion or scattering.

may be frittered away

Replaces "squandered" with "frittered away", highlighting the idea of wasting something on trivial matters.

might be forfeited

Emphasizes the potential loss of something due to a rule or consequence.

could vanish

Highlights the possibility of something disappearing completely.

may prove fruitless

Shifts the focus to the potential lack of positive results or outcomes.

might turn out to be for naught

Expresses the idea that something could ultimately be without value or effect.

may end up being futile

Indicates a possibility that something will be ineffective or pointless.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be squandered" indicates a possibility of wasting something valuable. For example, "This opportunity "may be squandered" if we don't act quickly."

What's a more formal alternative to "may be squandered"?

In more formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "could be wasted", "might be inefficiently utilized", or "may be ineffectively managed".

What does it mean when something "may be squandered"?

When something "may be squandered", it means there's a risk or possibility that it will be wasted, lost, or not used to its full potential.

Which is correct, "may be squandered" or "might be squandered"?

Both "may be squandered" and "might be squandered" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference, as "may" suggests a slightly higher probability than "might".