may be withdrawn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be withdrawn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is subject to being taken back or retracted, such as offers, proposals, or permissions. Example: "The scholarship offer may be withdrawn if the recipient fails to meet the required academic standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Offer may be withdrawn at any time.

Independent

Once consent is given, moreover, questions arise about whether and when it may be withdrawn.

The New York Times

Troops may be withdrawn in 2014; the fighting will rage on.

The New Yorker

"These girls will still be sore, they may be withdrawn, distanced from their family".

The Guardian

Worms then turn, elections become tricky and mandates of power may be withdrawn.

The Guardian - Opinion

Later in the year the core may be withdrawn with a scoop".

The New York Times - Food

In England, it is a personal good that may be withdrawn if a pupil is undeserving.

The Economist

Please be aware that your application may be withdrawn if you do not have sufficient funds available.

The Guardian - Sport

Even if not in actual coma, the affected person may be withdrawn; muscle twitchings and more general convulsions may occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The I.R.S. will not certify new credits until its review is complete, and current authorizations may be withdrawn should tests invalidate them, the statement said.

The New York Times

"The university does not make distinctions in treating as confidential the different circumstances under which a student may be withdrawn from Yale.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be withdrawn" when indicating a conditional possibility of something being retracted or cancelled. Ensure the context clearly defines the conditions under which the withdrawal might occur.

Common error

Avoid using "may be withdrawn" in situations where a more direct term like "cancelled" or "removed" would be clearer and more concise. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or hesitant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be withdrawn" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a potential or conditional action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be withdrawn" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that expresses the possibility of something being retracted or cancelled. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various formal and informal contexts. It is most common in News & Media and Scientific sources, indicating a formal register. When using this phrase, consider the specific conditions under which the withdrawal might occur and avoid overuse in contexts where simpler terms would suffice. Alternatives such as "can be retracted" or "could be revoked" provide similar meanings with slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be retracted

Replaces "may" with "can", suggesting possibility and capability of being retracted.

could be revoked

Uses "could" instead of "may", implying a conditional possibility of revocation.

might be cancelled

Substitutes "may" with "might", indicating a weaker possibility of cancellation.

is subject to cancellation

Expresses the idea that something is liable to be cancelled.

is liable to be terminated

Indicates a potential legal or contractual termination.

is capable of being rescinded

Highlights the ability to officially revoke or cancel something.

is open to being withdrawn

Emphasizes the possibility and flexibility of withdrawing something.

is eligible for withdrawal

Focuses on the eligibility or condition that allows for withdrawal.

is reversible

Implies the possibility to undo or take something back to a previous state.

is not guaranteed

Suggests that something is not certain and could be taken away.

FAQs

What does "may be withdrawn" mean?

The phrase "may be withdrawn" indicates that something is subject to being taken back or retracted. The action is not definite but is a possibility.

When is it appropriate to use "may be withdrawn" in a sentence?

It's appropriate when discussing offers, permissions, or agreements that are not guaranteed and could be cancelled under certain conditions. For instance, "The scholarship offer "may be withdrawn" if academic standards aren't met".

What are some alternative phrases to "may be withdrawn"?

You can use alternatives like "can be rescinded", "might be retracted", or "could be revoked" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

How does "may be withdrawn" differ from "will be withdrawn"?

"May be withdrawn" implies a possibility or contingency, whereas "will be withdrawn" indicates a definite future action. "May" suggests a conditional scenario, while "will" suggests certainty.