may designate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may designate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the possibility or permission to assign a specific role, title, or function to someone or something. Example: "The committee may designate a spokesperson to represent their views during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Where high sensitivity is needed, we offer a revised methodology for signature design which may designate that multiple signatures are required to detect all sequenced strains.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

There will be rules on what each ministry may designate as a state secret.

The Economist

The E.P.A. this year may designate new restrictions on sulfur dioxide emissions.

The New York Times

The law says the governor, "in consultation with" the state archives, may designate an alternate repository for his records.

The New York Times

If the judge chooses, he may designate two assessors to assist and advise him, and two such men were named.

The New Yorker

Some people like to take on extra work to help offset holiday expenses, while others may designate part of a year-end bonus for gifts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The overall leadership structure may vary between countries, may be designated in law, and may involve collaboration between different ministries.

Health Research Policy and Systems

The contributors may not designate their dependents as beneficiaries.

The New York Times

The label may also designate estate bottlings, lists of the varieties of olives in the blend and, increasingly, an indication that the oil is organic.

The New York Times

That will allow you to take the deduction on the securities' value in 1998 even though you may not designate the recipients until next year.

Forbes

Therefore, this subtyping may not designate a group that is very distinct from the broader group defined by an early age of onset [ 59].

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may designate", ensure the context clearly indicates who has the authority to designate and what the consequences of the designation are.

Common error

Avoid using "may designates" or "might designates". The modal verbs "may" and "might" should always be followed by the base form of the verb: "may designate", "might designate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may designate" functions as a modal verb construction, expressing possibility or permission. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase indicates that there is a potential, rather than a certainty, for someone or something to be assigned a particular role, title, or characteristic. The examples in Ludwig illustrate a range of contexts, from legal authorizations to scientific designations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may designate" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility or permission in assigning a role, function, or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in scientific, news, and formal settings. While alternative phrases like "can assign" or "is able to name" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. When writing, remember to maintain subject-verb agreement and clearly indicate the authority and consequences of the designation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can assign

This alternative replaces "may designate" with a more direct expression of ability or permission to assign something.

can appoint

This alternative emphasizes the act of officially choosing someone for a specific role.

is able to name

It focuses on the ability to specify or identify something officially.

has the authority to select

This option highlights the power or right to choose something or someone.

is permitted to classify

This alternative indicates formal permission to categorize or group items.

is empowered to identify

Highlights the authority to recognize or point something out.

can officially recognize

Specifies a formal acknowledgment or acceptance of something or someone.

is eligible to label

This option indicates qualification or suitability to assign a label.

could potentially mark

This is a more tentative expression of the possibility of marking something.

might consider naming

This expresses a possibility of considering someone or something for a particular designation.

FAQs

How can I use "may designate" in a sentence?

You can use "may designate" to express the possibility or permission to assign a role, title, or function. For instance, "The president may designate a new ambassador".

What are some alternatives to "may designate"?

Alternatives include "can assign", "can appoint", or "is able to name" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "may be designated"?

Yes, "may be designated" is correct. It indicates that something might be officially assigned or identified as something else. For example, "The area may be designated as a protected zone".

What is the difference between "may designate" and "will designate"?

"May designate" indicates a possibility or permission to assign, while "will designate" implies a future certainty of assignment. The choice depends on whether the designation is definite or still contingent.