can be halted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be halted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something has the potential to be stopped or interrupted. Example: "The process can be halted at any time if necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even private development can be halted.

The New York Times

But few believe growth can be halted.

The New York Times

Fortunately, the spread of most HAIs can be halted through proper disinfection of surfaces and equipment.

Cornell University

Under Florida law, construction can be halted only if human remains are uncovered.

The Economist

New projects can be halted quickly and restarted when the price picks up.

The Economist

A trend as well established as this can be halted only by a new social attitude.

The New York Times

Campaigners hope that with international support the auctions can be halted until new laws are passed.

The Guardian - Arts

But it is not clear whether the outbreak can be halted, Dr. Breiman said.

The New York Times

Why I am I so confident that Brexit can be halted?

The Guardian - Opinion

These peristaltic waves can be halted by eating and can be induced by the hormone motilin.

Britannica

It is silly to imagine that this evolution can be halted.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be halted" when you want to convey the possibility of stopping or interrupting a process, activity, or progression. Consider the context to determine if "halted" is the most appropriate term, as it often implies a more forceful or abrupt stop than alternatives like "stopped" or "interrupted".

Common error

Avoid using "halted" in very informal or casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday speech. Opt for more common alternatives like "stopped" or "paused" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be halted" functions as a passive construction indicating possibility or potential. It suggests that an action or process is capable of being stopped or brought to a standstill. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be halted" is a grammatically sound and widely used passive construction that indicates the possibility of something being stopped or interrupted. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news, science, and academic contexts, reflecting its suitability for formal and informative writing. While it's a versatile phrase, remember that in very informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "can be stopped" might be more appropriate. The phrase scores high in quality metrics due to its grammatical correctness, authoritative sources, and consistent usage. There are many semantically similar alternatives like "can be stopped", "can be interrupted" or "can be suspended".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be stopped

This alternative uses a more general verb, "stopped", making it suitable for a wider range of contexts than "halted".

can be interrupted

This suggests a temporary stop, whereas "halted" can imply a more permanent cessation.

can be suspended

Similar to "interrupted", this implies a temporary cessation with the possibility of resuming.

can be terminated

This implies a definitive end to something, often used in formal or legal contexts.

can be ceased

This is a more formal synonym for "stopped" or "halted", often used in official documentation.

can be discontinued

This suggests stopping something that is ongoing or regularly occurring.

can be prevented

This implies stopping something before it starts, focusing on preemptive action.

can be checked

Implies controlling or limiting the progress of something, rather than stopping it completely.

can be subdued

This suggests bringing something under control, often used for forces or movements.

can be curbed

This implies restraining or limiting something, often used in the context of undesirable activities.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be halted" to indicate that a process or action has the potential to be stopped. For example, "Construction "can be halted" if human remains are uncovered."

What are some alternatives to "can be halted"?

Some alternatives to "can be halted" include "can be stopped", "can be interrupted", or "can be suspended". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "can be halted" formal or informal?

"Can be halted" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's appropriate for news articles, academic papers, and business reports. In very casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

Can "can be halted" be used in both active and passive voice?

"Can be halted" is already in the passive voice. To use it in the active voice, you would rephrase the sentence. For instance, instead of "The project can be halted", you might say "Someone can halt the project".