can be suspended

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be suspended" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the possibility of something happening, being done, or being in a certain state. Example Sentence: His driving privileges can be suspended if he does not pay his parking tickets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If he loses his appeal, Evans can be suspended indefinitely.

The New York Times - Sports

They can be suspended for an entire season.

The New York Times - Sports

Enrichment can be suspended at Fordow but the equipment kept in working order.

The Guardian

A shark can be suspended in a tank but it is still a shark.

The Guardian - Arts

A player can be suspended for up to four years for intentionally taking a banned substance.

The New Yorker

Depending on what they do on the site, accounts can be suspended.

The New York Times - Tech

If they don't answer within 30 days, they know they can be suspended".

The New York Times

If natural or economic disaster strikes, deficit limits can be suspended.

The Economist

You can be suspended, but you're also representing your country - you can't do that".

The New York Times

If a member federation does not honour this responsibility, it can be suspended from participating in major championships.

The Guardian - Sport

If Sprewell is found to have done so, he can be suspended and/or fined up to $35,000.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be suspended", ensure the context clearly indicates the conditions under which the suspension can occur. For example, "Membership can be suspended for violation of the rules."

Common error

Avoid using "can be suspended" excessively in contexts where active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The game can be suspended due to rain", consider "Rain can suspend the game".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be suspended" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility or permissibility of an action being interrupted or temporarily stopped. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be suspended" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the possibility or permissibility of something being temporarily stopped or interrupted. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It appears commonly in news, media, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Related phrases like "may be put on hold" or "could be temporarily halted" offer alternative ways to express a similar concept. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the reasons or conditions under which the suspension can occur, and be mindful of potential overuse of passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be put on hold

Replaces "suspended" with "put on hold", emphasizing a temporary pause.

could be temporarily halted

Substitutes "suspended" with "temporarily halted", stressing a brief cessation.

might be interrupted

Replaces "suspended" with "interrupted", focusing on the break in continuity.

can be deactivated

Substitutes "suspended" with "deactivated", suggesting a temporary disabling.

can be deferred

Replaces "suspended" with "deferred", highlighting a postponement to a later time.

may be shelved

Substitutes "suspended" with "shelved", indicating a temporary removal from active consideration.

could be ceased temporarily

Replaces "suspended" with "ceased temporarily", emphasizing a brief termination.

might be discontinued briefly

Substitutes "suspended" with "discontinued briefly", stressing a short-term interruption.

can be mothballed

Replaces "suspended" with "mothballed", suggesting a preservation for future use after a period of inactivity.

may undergo a temporary cessation

Replaces "suspended" with "undergo a temporary cessation", formalizing the idea of a pause.

FAQs

How do I use "can be suspended" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be suspended" is used to indicate that something is liable to be temporarily stopped or put on hold. For instance, "His driver's license "can be suspended" if he gets too many tickets".

What are some alternatives to "can be suspended"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "may be put on hold", "could be temporarily halted", or "might be interrupted".

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

"Can be suspended" implies a possibility, while "must be suspended" implies an obligation or requirement. For example, "Services can be suspended if payment is late" suggests it's a potential consequence, whereas "Services must be suspended if required by law" means it's mandatory.

Is it correct to say "will be suspended" instead of "can be suspended"?

"Will be suspended" indicates a future certainty, while "can be suspended" indicates a possibility or potential action. Use "will be suspended" when the action is confirmed, and "can be suspended" when it's a conditional possibility.