can be replaced with vs may be replaced with

Both "can be replaced with" and "may be replaced with" are correct and commonly used in English. They both convey the idea that something has the potential to be substituted with something else.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1052 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"can be replaced with "

This phrase is used to indicate that something has the potential to be substituted with something else.

Examples:

The old batteries can be replaced with new ones.
The damaged part of the car can be replaced with a new one.
The outdated software can be replaced with a newer version.

Show examples from the web [+]

Consideration should be given to whether disadvantaged areas can be replaced with another term that better reflects their potential and their specific features.
However, the most recent developments in scientific assessment tell us that using these substances is economically unattractive in animal production for human consumption or can be replaced with alternative substances.
The overall impact depends on the extent to which imported fuel can be replaced with locally or regionally produced woodfuels.
Until 31 December 2010 the figure of 60 % indicated in subpoint (f) can be replaced with a figure of 70 %.
The report correctly states that the withdrawal of the Turkish army will help to reach a solution, and that the Turkish army can be replaced with a small European force under the command of the Security Council.
I would point out that these hormones, when used to promote growth, can be carcinogenic to human beings and that the existing derogations can finally be ended as these hormones can be replaced with alternative substances without any problems.
Judges should not be forced resign their posts so that they can be replaced with more politically suitable judges.
I believe that this amount should be increased several times over so that the ubiquitous school vending machines filled with crisps, chocolate bars and fizzy drinks can be replaced with others selling fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products.
A situation has been which the old colonial system... can be replaced with a rapport... based on direct collaboration... between producing and consuming nations.
This bracket can optionally be replaced with a lower neck load-cell.
MMT can easily be replaced with less damaging substances, and the use of this additive should therefore be banned from 2010.
This consensus cannot be reformed: it can only be replaced with another that puts employment and the correction of serious inequalities at the centre of economic coordination.
And so it's not going to break very easily, but if it does, virtually every piece in this machine can be swapped out and replaced with a hex wrench and a screwdriver.
Water can be replaced if necessary.
And while the roof-integrated solar module cannot be simply replaced with a standard module, it can be replaced by a standard module plus roof tiles or slate.
If a selected tree dies or is removed it can be replaced.
Because nothing can be replaced, so get out.
The second eartag can be replaced by an electronic identifier.
The name of the variety can be replaced by a synonym.
Labour is cheap, and that man can be replaced.

Alternatives:

can be substituted with
can be exchanged for
can be swapped with
can be interchanged with
can be traded for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"may be replaced with"

This phrase is also used to indicate that something has the potential to be substituted with something else.

Examples:

The old furniture may be replaced with new pieces.
The current system may be replaced with a more efficient one.
The traditional approach may be replaced with a modern one.

Show examples from the web [+]

By way of derogation from point 1, in relation to feed additives, the name of the additive may be replaced with that of the active substance.
If service/maintenance modes cannot be disabled and a service/maintenance mode occurs during a job other than the first job, the results from the job with the service/maintenance mode may be replaced with results from a substitute job.
The crush force specified in paragraph 3.2.1 of Annex 8D may be replaced with the value declared by the manufacturer, where the crush force shall be documented in Annex 6, Part 2 as a mounting restriction.
If the fruit and vegetables in a mix originate in more than one Member State or third country, the full names of the countries of origin may be replaced with one of the following, as appropriate:
May be temporarily replaced with midpoint RVR if approved by the State of the aerodrome.
We are absolutely delighted that the majority of Israelis and their government appear to have abandoned the idea of a 'Greater Israel', but we regret that that project may possibly be replaced with that of a 'Greater Jerusalem' spreading relentlessly over Palestinian territory.
the conditions under which a plant passport may be replaced in accordance with paragraph 3, first indent,
The initial information sheet may also be replaced with further information sheets or, where only one information sheet is used, the customs office to which the sheet is endorsed may note on the original the quantities of goods or products.
0,1-0,3 kg butter (25 % of the butter may be replaced by margarine with a fat content of at least 70 %)
In the case of ELA1 aircraft not involved in commercial operations, compliance with points (b), (c), (d), (e), and (g) may be replaced by compliance with all the following conditions:
During his unpaid leave the staff member may be replaced by temporary staff.
The straw may be replaced by modern racks.
The figure 000 may be replaced by a clearly visible arrow.
Representatives may be replaced by alternates, appointed at the same time.
For the purposes of this Regulation, cereals may be replaced by malt.
The manikin may be replaced by a similar device having the same mass.
In French 'Pressage' may be replaced by 'Extraction mécanique' where appropriate.
- in Greek the designation 'ñþôç ýëç æùïôñïöþí' may be replaced by 'áëÞ æùïôñïöÞ'.
The indication Denominazione d'Origine Protetta may be replaced by the acronym DOP (PDO).
The labelling may be replaced by direct printing on the rind of the cheese.

Alternatives:

might be replaced with
could be replaced with
is likely to be replaced with
is possible to be replaced with
is able to be replaced with

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can be replaced with vs may be replaced with