may be seen vs can be seen

Both "may be seen" and "can be seen" are correct phrases in English. They are often used interchangeably to indicate the possibility of something being visible. The choice between them depends on the context and the level of certainty or permission implied.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 7703 views

may be seen

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a possibility of something being visible.

Use "may be seen" when you want to express a possibility or likelihood of something being visible in the future or at a specific time.

Examples:

The results may be seen tomorrow.
The truth may be seen in his eyes.
The impact of the new policy may be seen in the coming months.

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It is recognised that effects may be seen that does not justify classification.
It is recognised that effects may be seen in humans and/or animals that do not justify classification.
Other side effects may be seen in more than 1 patient in 10, depending on the condition that Zarzio is being used for.
Other side effects may be seen in more than 1 patient in 10, depending on the condition that Biograstim is being used for.
The contested funding may be seen as a consequence of these changes.
The resolution may be seen as the European Parliament's wish list in the run-up to the forthcoming EU-US Summit on 20 June 2005 in Washington.
These side effects may be seen with sitagliptin and any glitazone (e. g., rosiglitazone).
Other side effects may be seen in more than 1 patient in 10, depending on the condition that Filgrastim ratiopharm is being used for.
Indeed the slowdown in growth may be seen as a necessary consolidation after the rather exuberant behaviour of previous years.
Meloxicam has a narrow therapeutic safety margin in cats and clinical signs of overdose may be seen at relatively small overdose levels.
Overdose Meloxicam has a narrow therapeutic safety margin in cats and clinical signs of overdose may be seen at relatively small overdose levels.
Slipped capital femoral epiphyses and aseptic necrosis of the femoral head may be seen in children with advanced renal osteodystrophy and in growth hormone deficiency, and it is uncertain whether these problems are affected by GH therapy.
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor can promote growth of myeloid cells in vitro and similar effects may be seen on some non-myeloid cells in vitro.
TV may be seen on six channels in that city.
Abscesses may be seen at the injection site.
The insoluble portion of these spheroids is eliminated and may be seen in faeces.
A short transient increase in plasma testosterone may be seen immediately after implantation.
Therefore, the same problems may be seen if Truvada is administered with a third nucleoside analogue.
As expected with intravitreal injections, transient increases in intraocular pressure may be seen.
The motives for this allocation may be seen to be suspect.

Alternatives:

might be seen
could be seen
is likely to be seen
is possible to be seen
is expected to be seen

can be seen

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the ability or possibility of something being visible.

Use "can be seen" when you want to convey the idea that something has the capability or potential to be seen.