can be cancelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be cancelled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something has the option or ability to be annulled or terminated. Example: "The subscription can be cancelled at any time without penalty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can be cancelled at any time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"After that only certain elements can be cancelled.

The Guardian - Money

Noise from the office can be cancelled out with headphones.

The Guardian - Money

Children's places can be cancelled if parents lie on forms.

The Telegraph

Using the steering capabilities, individual tasks or the whole application can be cancelled.

Future Generation Computer Systems

Reserved rooms can be cancelled up to 24 hours before arrival without penalty.

Stanford University

In some cases requests can be cancelled using the Interlibrary Loan and ScanIt web site.

Cornell University

If not, both money and futile effort would be saved and the programme can be cancelled.

The Guardian - Opinion

They should explain adequately how CPA works and how it can be cancelled.

The Guardian - Money

As well, visas can be cancelled if a person has a "substantial criminal record".

The Guardian

"Our participation can be cancelled by me, as President, at any time".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about policies or agreements, clearly state the conditions under which something "can be cancelled" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "can be cancelled" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing passive voice. Sometimes, an active construction like "you can cancel" is clearer and more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be cancelled" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of termination or annulment. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it describes the ability of something to be ended or revoked.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be cancelled" is a versatile and frequently used passive construction that indicates the possibility of something being terminated. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While alternatives like "can be terminated" or "is subject to cancellation" exist, the key is to maintain clarity and avoid overusing the passive voice. By understanding the nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "can be cancelled" to convey the potential for annulment or termination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be revoked

Replaces "cancelled" with a term emphasizing the formal withdrawal of something like a permit or law.

can be terminated

Offers a more formal alternative to "cancelled", suitable for contracts or agreements.

is subject to cancellation

Changes the structure to highlight conditionality, suggesting an inherent possibility of cancellation.

is eligible for cancellation

Indicates that something meets the criteria to be cancelled.

can be nullified

Replaces "cancelled" with a term suggesting that something has been made invalid.

can be voided

Similar to nullified but suggests that something never had legal effect.

is able to be cancelled

Emphasizes the ability to cancel something, adding a layer of possibility.

may be cancelled

Replaces "can" with "may" to indicate a possibility rather than a certainty.

is liable to be cancelled

Indicates a higher probability of cancellation, suggesting circumstances are leaning that way.

is reversible

Shifts the focus to the ability to reverse a previous action, implying something akin to cancellation.

FAQs

How can I use "can be cancelled" in a sentence?

You can use "can be cancelled" to describe something that has the ability to be terminated or annulled, such as "The subscription "can be cancelled" at any time."

What can I say instead of "can be cancelled"?

Alternatives include "can be revoked", "can be terminated", or "is subject to cancellation", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be cancelled" or "can be canceling"?

"Can be cancelled" is the correct passive form. "Can be canceling" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts, unless referring to a continuous action of cancellation.

What's the difference between "can be cancelled" and "must be cancelled"?

"Can be cancelled" indicates an option or possibility, while "must be cancelled" indicates a requirement or obligation. The former suggests a choice, and the latter implies a necessity.