may be supplied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be supplied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something can be provided or given if needed. Example: "Additional information may be supplied upon request to ensure clarity in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The thermal energy may be supplied by chemical, solar, or nuclear sources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

PEPFAR cash buys generic versions of patented drugs, which may be supplied only to poor countries.

The Economist

Substantial election campaign contributions or other assistance may be supplied to favoured legislators or executives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Usually, these may be supplied economically from pasture forage, harvested roughages, and concentrates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The support may be supplied by shoring the wall with heavy timbers sloping upward at about 65° to 75°.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Extensive research into complex legislative proposals may be supplied to legislative committees by advocates of various and often conflicting interests.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fuel may be supplied from floating or shoreside stations, and fresh water is needed for drinking, cleaning, and processing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The required heat energy may be supplied by chemical, solar, or nuclear sources, the latter being the preferred choice for current experimental units.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Collateral evidence as to the transmission of a text may be supplied from sources external to the direct or indirect textual tradition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Carbon comes from natural gas, and the sulfur may be supplied in the elemental form, as hydrogen sulfide, or as sulfur dioxide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here we have: 'I don't dislike Wordsworth at all.' A clue to all this may be supplied by an essay in last year's first volume of Auden Studies (The Map Of All My Youth, OUP, £27.50).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be supplied" when you want to indicate that something is available or can be provided if needed, but it's not guaranteed. This offers a degree of contingency.

Common error

While "may be supplied" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider if an active construction would be clearer and more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be supplied" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something can or could be provided by an unspecified agent. The auxiliary verb 'may' expresses possibility or permission, while 'be supplied' indicates the action of providing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

Encyclopedias

24%

News & Media

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be supplied" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate that something can be provided or furnished if needed. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in formal and scientific writing, with frequent use in encyclopedias, scientific journals, and news media. When writing, remember that while the phrase is valid, overuse of passive voice can weaken your prose. Consider active constructions for stronger impact and, while choosing your words, remember "can be provided" or "could be furnished" can work as alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be provided

Replaces "may be" with "can be", suggesting a higher degree of certainty or ability.

can be furnished

Combines the certainty of "can be" with the formality of "furnished".

could be furnished

Substitutes "supplied" with "furnished", implying a more formal or elaborate provision.

could be made available

Emphasizes the accessibility or readiness of something for use.

might be given

Replaces "may be supplied" with "might be given", indicating a possibility that something will be given.

could be offered

Replaces "supplied" with "offered", suggesting a willingness or readiness to provide something.

might be presented

Replaces "supplied" with "presented", often implying a more formal introduction or offering.

might be delivered

Replaces "supplied" with "delivered", implying a process of conveyance or distribution.

can be granted

Replaces "supplied" with "granted", suggesting permission or authorization to receive something.

can be dispensed

Replaces "supplied" with "dispensed", implying a formal or regulated distribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "may be supplied" to indicate that something is available if required, such as "Additional information "may be supplied" upon request".

What are some alternatives to "may be supplied"?

Alternatives include "can be provided", "could be furnished", or "might be given", depending on the level of certainty and formality you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "may be supplied" and "will be supplied"?

"May be supplied" suggests a possibility or contingency, while "will be supplied" implies a certainty or promise. Use "may" when something is not guaranteed and "will" when it is.

When is it appropriate to use "may be supplied" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you want to indicate that something is available or can be provided if needed, maintaining a degree of professional detachment. For example, "Further documentation "may be supplied" to qualified applicants".