may be subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'may be subject' is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase can be used to indicate possibility and uncertainty, often in the context of a potential penalty or repercussion. For example, "This action may be subject to legal penalties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This status quo, however, may be subject to subjective interpretation.

European Journal of Futures Research

However, this may be subject to an 'executive override'.

The Guardian

The shot may be subject to similar failure during impact.

Britannica

Both may be subject to action by the FTC.

The Guardian - Opinion

His interpretation may be subject to legal challenge.

The New York Times

Some others may be subject to later update.

The Guardian

All seats may be subject to significant reorganisation.

The Guardian

Another 27 may be subject to lesser administrative penalties.

The Washington Post

The best-possible-light part may be subject to debate.

The New York Times

But by then they may be subject to fiercer regulation.

The Economist

Some figures may be subject to revision, they said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be subject" to convey a possibility or likelihood of something happening, especially when outlining potential consequences or conditions. For instance, "The contract may be subject to legal review."

Common error

Avoid overusing "may be subject" in a single document, as it can make the writing sound overly cautious or passive. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "could be", "might be", or more direct statements where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be subject" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility and conditionality. It indicates that a particular entity or action is potentially exposed to or governed by something else. Ludwig shows that the phrase is commonly used to express potential consequences or regulations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be subject" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express possibility and conditionality. As Ludwig AI correctly identifies, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across various authoritative sources, especially in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for professional writing, it's important to avoid overuse. Related phrases, such as "could be affected" or "might be exposed", can offer valuable alternatives to maintain writing clarity and engagement. Use "may be subject" when you want to convey a potentiality without stating it as a certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be prone to

Emphasizes a tendency or likelihood towards something, highlighting vulnerability.

could be affected by

Indicates the possibility of being influenced or changed by something.

might be exposed to

Focuses on the potential for encountering or experiencing something, often negative.

can be vulnerable to

Stresses the susceptibility to harm or negative consequences.

might be conditional on

Highlights that something depends on specific circumstances or requirements.

may be contingent upon

Similar to conditional, but suggests a more formal or contractual dependence.

can be open to

Highlights accessibility or susceptibility to influence or impact.

might face

Indicates a potential confrontation with difficulties or challenges.

may encounter

Focuses on the possibility of coming across or experiencing something.

may risk

Suggests a potential exposure to danger or undesirable outcomes.

FAQs

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

Use "may be subject" to indicate that something is possibly affected by or dependent on something else. For example, "The agreement may be subject to change" means the agreement could potentially be changed.

What phrases are similar to "may be subject"?

Alternatives include "could be affected", "might be exposed", or "can be vulnerable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "may be subject to"?

Yes, the correct idiomatic usage is "may be subject to". The "to" is necessary to link the subject with what it is potentially affected by.

What's the difference between "may be subject to" and "is subject to"?

"May be subject to" indicates a possibility or potential, while "is subject to" implies a certainty or current condition. For example, "The decision may be subject to review" suggests a review is possible, whereas "The decision is subject to review" means a review will definitely occur.