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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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may expected

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may expected" is not correct in English and does not convey a clear meaning.
It seems to be an incorrect combination of "may" and "expected," which should not be used together in this way. An example of a correct usage would be: "The results may be expected to improve over time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In previous work, sumatriptan did not change P-CREB induced by forskolin in cultured neurons taken from adult rat trigeminal ganglions, nor inhibit CGRP release at the same model, as may expected [8], although the role of CGRP on sensitization is unclear [17].

If M-form populations are gradually expanding or shifting their range over time due to ecological changes and carrying reinforcement mechanisms developed through preceding contact with members of S-form populations, then it may expected that the M form would be generally less susceptible to introgression.

Science

Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now, he said, they may expect too little.

News & Media

The New York Times

With given inputs you may expect given outputs.

News & Media

The New York Times

One may expect to see more cutters bowled too.

We may expect greater circumspection from the World Telegram hereafter.

News & Media

The New Yorker

EU members may expect Scotland to join the euro.

News & Media

The Guardian

But there's less room than you may expect.

News & Media

The New York Times

"They may expect lots of gore and violence.

Reckoning is not, as some may expect, steeped in sportsdom.

In France, despite what one may expect, football does not refer exclusively to soccer.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "may expected". Instead, use grammatically correct alternatives such as "might be anticipated" or "could be predicted".

Common error

A common mistake is combining modal verbs like "may" directly with past participles. Ensure that a form of "be" (e.g., "be", "been") is included between the modal verb and the past participle to form a correct passive construction.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may expected" functions incorrectly as it attempts to combine a modal verb with a past participle without the necessary auxiliary verb 'be'. Ludwig AI identifies this as grammatically flawed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may expected" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI points out, it incorrectly combines a modal verb with a past participle. While examples exist, they highlight the error rather than validate its use. Alternative phrases like "might be anticipated" or "could be predicted" provide grammatically sound ways to express possibility and expectation. The analysis indicates rare usage, primarily in scientific and news contexts, but its incorrect structure makes it unsuitable for professional communication. Always prioritize grammatical accuracy to ensure clear and effective communication.

FAQs

What is the correct way to express possibility and expectation in English?

Instead of the incorrect "may expected", use phrases like "might be anticipated" or "could be predicted". These alternatives ensure proper grammar and clarity.

What can I say instead of "may expected"?

You can use alternatives like "might be anticipated", "could be predicted", or "can be foreseen" depending on the context.

Is "may expected" grammatically correct?

No, "may expected" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form involves using a form of "be" between the modal verb and the past participle (e.g., "might be expected").

How to use "might be anticipated" in a sentence?

You can use "might be anticipated" in a sentence like: "The results might be anticipated to improve over time."

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: