can be forfeited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be forfeited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something, such as a right, privilege, or asset, may be lost or given up under certain conditions. Example: "If the terms of the contract are not met, the deposit can be forfeited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Legally, it can be forfeited if ground rent is not paid, although thankfully that happens rarely.

The Guardian - Money

In some cases, that stock can be forfeited if the executive or his division performs poorly in the future.

The New York Times

Loan Consolidation typically does not save money, and in some cases, some repayment benefits can be forfeited.

Columbia University

Under current law, pensions can be forfeited only if a lawmaker commits crimes such as treason or espionage.

The Washington Post

He acknowledged that "many still hold that the right to life can be forfeited by those who take life, just as their liberty can be abridged".

The New York Times

One who endorses both human rights and imprisonment as punishment for serious crimes must hold that people's rights to freedom of movement can be forfeited temporarily or permanently by just convictions of serious crimes.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The 35% paid in as individual contributions cannot be touched but the rest can be forfeit.

The Guardian

The law of New York says that if you don't keep a bank informed about your address, after 5 years, your savings account can be forfeit.

Huffington Post

Promiscuity is the point of the Biennale, and although reputations can be made there, they can also be forfeited.

The New York Times - Magazine

And so his humanity is not an "issue" to be debated nor a privilege that can either be forfeited by him or demanded of him; it is a reality that makes profound moral demands on us to honor, which don't go away even when he profoundly, hideously rejected his own moral responsibility to care about James Byrd.

Huffington Post

How can these rights be forfeited for life in Florida, but enjoyed in South Carolina, New York, Alabama, and many other states?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be forfeited", ensure the context clearly specifies the conditions or actions that lead to the forfeiture. Clarity prevents ambiguity about when and why something might be lost.

Common error

Avoid using "can be forfeited" in overly broad or general statements without specifying the exact criteria for forfeiture. This can lead to misinterpretations and weaken the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be forfeited" functions as a passive construction indicating a potential consequence. It suggests that something is at risk of being lost or given up if certain conditions are not met. Ludwig examples illustrate that the phrase is found across multiple topics.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be forfeited" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the potential loss of something under specified conditions. As shown by Ludwig, it appears in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific literature, carrying a neutral tone. To ensure clarity, always specify the conditions that may lead to forfeiture. While the phrase is understandable, remember that there are alternatives such as "may be lost" or "could be relinquished" that can provide a nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be surrendered

Emphasizes the act of giving something up willingly, differing from the potential involuntary aspect of forfeiture.

can be surrendered

Suggests a formal or legal yielding of something, possibly under duress or obligation.

could be relinquished

Highlights the act of releasing a claim or right, suggesting a more formal or legal context.

might be lost

Focuses on the potential for losing something, without necessarily implying a specific cause or condition.

may be seized

Highlights the potential for something to be taken forcibly, typically by legal authority.

could be confiscated

Implies a formal or legal taking of property, often due to a violation of rules or laws.

might be revoked

Specifically refers to the cancellation or annulment of a privilege, right, or permission.

could be withdrawn

Implies the removal of something, either physically or figuratively, from a particular place or situation.

can be nullified

Focuses on the act of rendering something void or without legal force.

may be invalidated

Indicates that something can be proven to be untrue or without legal basis.

FAQs

How to use "can be forfeited" in a sentence?

Use "can be forfeited" to indicate that something, like a right or an asset, may be lost if certain conditions are not met. For example, "Your deposit "can be forfeited" if you break the contract".

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

You can use alternatives like "may be lost", "could be relinquished", or "might be seized" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be forfeited" or "must be forfeited"?

"Can be forfeited" indicates a possibility, while "must be forfeited" implies a certainty or obligation. The correct choice depends on whether the forfeiture is conditional or mandatory.

What's the difference between "can be forfeited" and "will be forfeited"?

"Can be forfeited" suggests a potential for forfeiture under certain circumstances, whereas "will be forfeited" implies a future certainty of forfeiture.