may be undertaken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be undertaken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action or task is possible or permissible to be carried out. Example: "The project may be undertaken by the team if the necessary resources are available."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Photocopying of original documents may be undertaken by staff at their discretion.

The Guardian

More than 50 different projects may be undertaken by 4-H members.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead, the search for common ground may be undertaken for goals as readily understood in a secular sense as they are in a sacred one.

The New York Times

Home schooling may be undertaken voluntarily by any parent, or group of parents, regardless of the disability status of the students they instruct.

The New York Times

"Did you consider it was for you to decide to jeopardise any on going operation that may be undertaken by counter terrorism in the metropolis?" Wright asked.

The Guardian

Teaching may be undertaken by the museum's educational staff or, more often, by the schoolteacher, who will have been advised and instructed by the staff.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may be undertaken when a country's currency has been undervalued in comparison with others, causing persistent balance-of-payments surpluses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Further restorative and/or pulpal therapy may be undertaken later.

Progress in Orthodontics

In this manner, identification of mechanisms of action may be undertaken.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

This task may be undertaken by considering the following recombination of Eqs.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

At default time, rival projects (continuation, piecemeal liquidation, liquidation as a going concern …) may be undertaken.

International Review of Law and Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be undertaken", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is permitted or able to perform the action. For instance, specify the actor and the conditions under which the action is permissible.

Common error

Avoid using "may be undertaken" in sentences where the subject performing the action is unclear. Always specify who "may" undertake the action to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be undertaken" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or permission for an action to be performed. It combines the modal verb "may" with the passive voice construction "be undertaken". Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be undertaken" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey the possibility or permissibility of an action. As Ludwig AI validates, its occurrence is particularly common in science, news, and formal business contexts, demonstrating its appropriateness for professional and academic discourse. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the actor and the conditions is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "can be initiated" or "is permissible to commence" can provide nuanced variations in meaning and formality. This phrase is versatile and commonly used, ensure to adjust alternatives in order to accommodate for style and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be initiated

Replaces "undertaken" with "initiated", focusing on the beginning or start of an action.

can be performed

Substitutes "undertaken" with "performed", emphasizing the execution or carrying out of a task.

can be implemented

Replaces "undertaken" with "implemented", highlighting the putting of a plan or system into effect.

can be pursued

Substitutes "undertaken" with "pursued", suggesting the active following or striving for a goal or activity.

is permissible to start

Replaces "may be undertaken" with a more explicit statement of permission to begin.

is allowed to commence

Uses "allowed" and "commence" to convey permission and initiation in a slightly more formal way.

is eligible to begin

Indicates that something meets the criteria to start, replacing "may be undertaken" with a condition of eligibility.

is qualified to initiate

Similar to "eligible to begin" but emphasizes the qualification or competence to start something.

can be addressed

Highlights the possibility to solve a problem.

can be tackled

Highlights the possibility to face a challenge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "may be undertaken" to sound more formal?

You can use alternatives such as "can be initiated" or "is permissible to commence" to achieve a more formal tone.

Is "may be undertaken" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "may be undertaken" tends to be more suitable for formal or professional contexts. For informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "can be done".

What's the difference between "may be undertaken" and "should be undertaken"?

"May be undertaken" suggests possibility or permission, whereas "should be undertaken" implies a recommendation or obligation. The choice depends on whether you're indicating potential action versus advisable action.

When is it best to use "may be undertaken" in a sentence?

Use "may be undertaken" when you want to express that an action is possible or allowed, often subject to certain conditions or considerations. For example, "Further investigation may be undertaken if necessary".