may be suspended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be suspended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is a possibility of something being temporarily halted or discontinued. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event may be suspended until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Purinton may be suspended as well.

The New York Times - Sports

He may be suspended from school, Ms. Feinberg said.

The New York Times

A player will have to test positive five times before he may be suspended for a season.

The New York Times - Sports

Another project with 575,000 square feet of office, retail and biotech space is planned nearby, but it may be suspended unless a tenant can be found.

The New York Times

However, if the CPLD feels that Galdeano's medical file is not in order, he may be suspended, but only in France.

The Guardian - Sport

There was some contact between Martinez and Greg Gibson, the second-base umpire, and if Robinson determines that Martinez supplied the impetus, he may be suspended.

The New York Times - Sports

The Bank of England was warned of the possibility that commercial property funds may be suspended because of the rate of withdrawals prompted by the Brexit vote.

The Guardian - Business

Defend Education has also expressed concern about the two remaining students, who they say may be suspended for the rest of the year.

Independent

Town parking lots are open to nonresidents for a $10 daily fee, but the sale of daily passes may be suspended when the lots near capacity on crowded days.

The New York Times

Furthermore, the Regulation provides that the imposition of financial penalties such as administrative fines may be suspended by decision of the competent authority if criminal proceedings have been initiated against the person concerned in connection with the same facts.

The Guardian

Instead, sources indicated that the Newsnight editor may be suspended pending the outcome of an independent inquiry being run by Nick Pollard, a former head of Sky News – although insiders added that the situation remained fluid.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be suspended", ensure the context clearly indicates the conditions or reasons that could lead to the suspension. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "may be suspended" when the suspension is definite or already in effect. In such cases, use stronger language like "will be suspended" or "is suspended" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be suspended" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential for something to be temporarily stopped or put on hold. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be suspended" is a versatile expression used to indicate the potential for a temporary cessation or interruption. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, particularly in news, science, and general reference contexts. While similar to alternatives like "could be suspended" or "might be suspended", it's crucial to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement and ensuring the context clearly implies a possibility rather than a certainty. Remember to avoid using stronger language when a suspension is definite. Overall, "may be suspended" is a valuable tool for expressing conditional or uncertain outcomes in a variety of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be suspended

Expresses a similar level of possibility as "may be suspended" with a slight variation in word choice.

might be suspended

Conveys a similar degree of possibility, offering a different modal verb.

can be suspended

Indicates a possibility allowed by rules or circumstances, focusing on permissibility.

is liable to be suspended

Suggests a higher probability of suspension, implying a stronger likelihood.

is subject to suspension

Highlights that something falls under the risk or potential for suspension due to certain conditions.

could face suspension

Focuses on the potential consequence of suspension as a result of actions or situations.

might face suspension

Similar to "could face suspension" but uses a slightly different modal verb.

is at risk of suspension

Emphasizes the vulnerability to being suspended, indicating a potential negative outcome.

is in danger of being suspended

Highlights a serious risk, suggesting that suspension is a real and present threat.

is potentially suspended

Focuses on the potential state of being suspended, rather than the action leading to it.

FAQs

How to use "may be suspended" in a sentence?

Use "may be suspended" to indicate a possibility or likelihood of temporary halting. For example, "The game "may be suspended" due to bad weather."

What can I say instead of "may be suspended"?

You can use alternatives like "could be suspended", "might be suspended", or "can be suspended" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "may be suspended" or "will be suspended"?

"May be suspended" indicates a possibility, while "will be suspended" indicates a certainty. The correct choice depends on whether the suspension is confirmed or just a possibility.

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

"May be suspended" describes a potential future action. "Is subject to suspension" indicates that something falls under the possibility of suspension if certain conditions are met.