may be transmitted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be transmitted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is possible or allowed to be sent or conveyed. Example: "The information may be transmitted electronically to ensure faster processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many are insidious and disabling; some may be transmitted at birth.

The New York Times

Previous studies have suggested that KoRV may be transmitted in utero or in the milk67.

Nature

Depending on user input, any one of the 10 other opcodes may be transmitted.

Cornell University

Rarely, it may be transmitted via a blood transfusion or by sexual contact.

Columbia University

Some packets may be lost, and some packets may be transmitted multiple times.

University of California, Berkeley

Some congenital cardiac abnormalities are inherited and may be transmitted as autosomal or sex-linked traits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But some experts have suggested that the infectious agents that cause mad cow disease may be transmitted in milk.

The New York Times

The algae, which provide the Spongillidae with their characteristic green colour, may be transmitted through the gemmules.

Britannica

In rare instances, the disease may be transmitted between humans perinatally (between mother and fetus), sexually, or via blood transfusion.

Britannica

R&D co-operation between firms is one of the many strategies by which this knowledge may be transmitted.

Research Policy

For example, around these points, opaque materials may seem more transparent, and light may be transmitted only in one direction.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about scientific or medical topics, use "may be transmitted" to indicate a possible route of transmission for diseases, genetic traits, or other biological factors. This conveys a level of uncertainty appropriate for scientific discourse.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice (e.g., "may be transmitted") in your writing. While appropriate in some contexts, excessive use can make your writing sound vague or indirect. Consider active voice alternatives where appropriate for more direct and impactful communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be transmitted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potential for something to be transferred or conveyed. Ludwig shows its usage across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

Academia

18%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be transmitted" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to indicate a potential or possible transfer or conveyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in science, academia, and news media. While alternatives like "can be conveyed" or "could be transferred" exist, "may be transmitted" maintains a neutral to formal tone, suitable for professional communication. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential for overuse of the passive voice and consider active voice alternatives for a more direct writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be conveyed

Replaces "may be" with "can be", indicating possibility or ability instead of permission.

could be transferred

Substitutes "transmitted" with "transferred", focusing on the action of moving something from one place to another and using "could" to express possibility.

might be spread

Replaces "transmitted" with "spread", emphasizing the distribution aspect, and "may" with "might" indicating possibility.

is potentially communicable

Uses "communicable" to specifically refer to diseases and "potentially" instead of "may be" to indicate a chance of transmission.

can potentially spread

Combines "can" and "potentially" to reinforce the idea of something having the ability to spread.

is liable to be passed on

Uses "liable" to suggest a probability or tendency of something being transmitted.

has the possibility of spreading

Emphasizes the inherent chance of spreading, replacing "may be" with a more explicit expression of probability.

is capable of being transferred

Focuses on the capability or ability of something to be transferred.

has a chance to be conveyed

Expresses the idea that there is a chance something will be conveyed

might get carried over

Uses a more casual phrasal verb "carried over" to suggest transmission in an informal tone

FAQs

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

You can use "may be transmitted" to indicate a possibility of transfer or conveyance. For example, "The disease "may be transmitted" through contaminated water".

What are some alternatives to "may be transmitted"?

Alternatives include "can be conveyed", "could be transferred", or "might be spread", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "may be transmitted" formal or informal?

"May be transmitted" is generally considered neutral to formal and can be used in a variety of contexts, including scientific, medical, and general writing. It's suitable for situations where you want to indicate possibility without being overly definitive.

What is the difference between "may be transmitted" and "is transmitted"?

"May be transmitted" indicates a possibility, while "is transmitted" states a fact. Use "may be transmitted" when you want to convey uncertainty or a potential for transmission, and "is transmitted" when you are sure about the transmission.