may be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are speculating about the possibility of understanding something. For example: This ancient text may be understood with some careful analysis.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This hierarchy may be understood as "meritocratic" or otherwise, but the hierarchy must exist.

The Guardian - Opinion

This image may be understood as an exercise in visual perception.

The New York Times

Other methods, such as individualized signals, may be understood only by familiar people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pallottino's position may be understood more clearly through a brief review of the debate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In doing so, he provides the big picture: the backdrop against which Stagg's story may be understood.

The Guardian - Books

It said the word "spiv … may be understood to describe a person who is dishonest in his business dealings".

The Guardian

• In any otherwise inexplicable financial event, the people who profit from it may be understood to have caused it.

The New York Times

This phenomenon may be understood as follows.

Nano-Micro Letters

This may be understood based on the electronic structure.

Acta Materialia

DiffServ and MPLS may be understood as complementary methods.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

At its simplest, grounding may be understood as "metaphysical explanation".

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be understood" when you want to suggest a possible interpretation or understanding, rather than stating a definitive fact. It's useful for presenting nuanced perspectives.

Common error

While "may be understood" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to use active voice where appropriate for clearer and more direct communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be understood" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a potential or possible interpretation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It softens the statement, suggesting a possibility rather than a definitive understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be understood" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a possible interpretation or understanding. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. It appears most commonly in scientific and news contexts, where nuanced perspectives are valued. When writing, be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider active alternatives for clarity. This phrase is appropriate for formal and scientific writing, allowing for cautious and considered explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be interpreted

Focuses on the act of interpreting something, implying a degree of subjectivity.

can be grasped

Highlights the ability to fully comprehend something, suggesting a more complete understanding.

is open to interpretation

Emphasizes the subjective nature of understanding, suggesting multiple possible meanings.

might be conceived

Focuses on the act of forming an idea or mental representation, suggesting a conceptual understanding.

could be deciphered

Suggests a process of uncovering a hidden meaning or code.

is potentially comprehensible

Highlights the possibility of understanding something, though not necessarily easily.

is capable of being understood

More formal and emphasizes the inherent possibility of comprehension.

is liable to be understood

Implies a tendency or likelihood of being understood in a particular way.

is susceptible to being understood

Suggests vulnerability to a specific interpretation, often negative.

might be appreciated

Emphasizes a valuing of understanding, implying a positive reception.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may be understood" indicates a potential interpretation or way of understanding something. For example, "This phenomenon "may be understood" as a result of several contributing factors."

What are some alternatives to "may be understood"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be interpreted", "can be grasped", or "is open to interpretation", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "may be understood" formal or informal?

"May be understood" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is appropriate for academic, scientific, and professional contexts.

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

"May be understood" suggests a possibility or potential understanding, while "is understood" implies a more definitive or widely accepted understanding.