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"may not easily be understood" vs "may not be easily understood"

Both phrases are correct, but the placement of the adverb 'easily' can vary depending on the emphasis the speaker wants to convey. 'May not easily be understood' emphasizes the difficulty of understanding, while 'may not be easily understood' places less emphasis on the difficulty. Both constructions are commonly used in English.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

may not easily be understood

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It emphasizes the difficulty of understanding.

This phrase is used when the speaker wants to emphasize the difficulty of understanding something. The adverb 'easily' is placed before the main verb 'be understood.'

Examples:

  • The complex scientific concepts may not easily be understood by the general public.
  • The legal jargon in the contract may not easily be understood by non-lawyers.

Alternatives:

  • may not be easily understood
  • may be not easily understood
  • may not be understood easily
  • may be understood not easily
  • may not be readily understood

may not be easily understood

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It places less emphasis on the difficulty of understanding.

This phrase is used when the speaker wants to convey that something may not be understood without emphasizing the difficulty. The adverb 'easily' is placed after the auxiliary verb 'be.'

Examples:

  • The instructions may not be easily understood by beginners.
  • The implications of the decision may not be easily understood at first glance.

Alternatives:

  • may not easily be understood
  • may be not easily understood
  • may not be understood easily
  • may be understood not easily
  • may not be readily understood

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