can be terminated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be terminated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the possibility of ending a process, agreement, or relationship. Example: "The contract can be terminated if either party fails to meet the agreed-upon terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The monitoring can be terminated suddenly.

The New York Times

Pregnancy can be terminated by chemical means.

The Guardian

After four years they can be terminated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Student employment can be terminated for performance based reasons.

Columbia University

"It's open-ended and can be terminated by either party with six months notice.

The New York Times

The purchase can be terminated if the price drops below $15.50 a share.

The New York Times

Postdocs' positions can be terminated at the discretion of their advisers.

The New York Times - Science

Ava has no doubt that she exists, but she fears that such existence can be terminated.

The New Yorker

It can be terminated by either government with 90 days notice.

The Guardian

It can be terminated by any of the signatories upon written notification.

The Washington Post

The government can be terminated by the Sejm only by a constructive vote of no confidence.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be terminated" when you want to clearly and directly state the possibility of ending an agreement, process, or relationship. Ensure the context provides the conditions under which termination is possible.

Common error

While "can be terminated" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to active voice where appropriate, such as "someone can terminate it" or "the agreement terminates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be terminated" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of an action being performed (termination). It shows that something is capable of being brought to an end. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be terminated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates the possibility of something being ended. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it is especially common in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, it often lends itself to more formal settings where clarity is key. When using "can be terminated", it's crucial to consider the passive voice and whether an active construction might be more impactful. Considering alternatives like "can be ended" or "may be discontinued" can further refine your writing depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be discontinued

Replaces "can" with "may" and "terminated" with "discontinued", suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

can be ended

Uses the simpler word "ended" instead of "terminated", making the phrase more accessible.

can be revoked

Implies an official cancellation or annulment of something.

can be cancelled

Suggests the act of stopping something that was planned or agreed upon.

may be ceased

Uses "ceased" for a more abrupt or definitive ending.

can be suspended

Indicates a temporary halt, rather than a permanent ending.

is subject to cancellation

Emphasizes the condition or possibility of being cancelled.

is liable to be terminated

Highlights the potential or risk of termination.

can be brought to an end

A more verbose alternative, emphasizing the action of ending something.

can be put to a stop

Suggests an active intervention to end something.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be terminated" to indicate the possibility of ending something. For example, "The contract "can be terminated" if the terms are not met."

What are some alternatives to "can be terminated"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be ended", "can be revoked", or "may be discontinued", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "can be terminated" instead of "can be ended"?

"Can be terminated" is often used in more formal or legal contexts, while "can be ended" is a simpler and more general alternative. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific situation.

Can "can be terminated" be used in active voice?

No, "can be terminated" is inherently passive. To use active voice, you would need to rephrase the sentence, such as "Someone "can terminate" the agreement."