ceased being

USAGE SUMMARY

'ceased being' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has stopped happening or existing, or when someone has finished being something, such as a particular role. For example, "After many years of dedicated service, the trusted librarian ceased being the custodian of the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Had ceased being bluejeans.

The New Yorker

"It has ceased being a ladies' business".

The New Yorker

Their correspondence ceased being entirely astral.

Independent

What if spin ceased being an issue?

The Guardian

The word "party" ceased being a verb.

The New York Times - Magazine

Once inside, he said, people ceased being strangers.

The New York Times

Rather, these new platforms ceased being feminine and interesting.

The New York Times

It has ceased being a prosecution at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

One is that John F. Hylan actually ceased being Mayor.

The New Yorker

Russian elections ceased being free and fair after the presidential elections in 1996.

The New York Times

(It ceased being Royale in 1789, as did everything else in France).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ceased being" to clearly indicate the end of a state, condition, or activity. It provides a formal and definitive tone suitable for various contexts.

Common error

While "ceased being" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "stopped being" or "no longer" are often more appropriate and natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ceased being" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the termination of a state or activity. It often connects a subject with a past condition, highlighting the end of that condition. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ceased being" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the termination of a state, condition, or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse writing contexts, though its formality should align with the intended audience. While simpler alternatives exist for informal use, "ceased being" offers a clear and definitive way to express the end of something. It is frequently used in sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stopped being

Indicates a simple and direct cessation of a state or action.

no longer being

Emphasizes the duration of the previous state and its absence in the present.

finished being

Highlights the completion of a specific state or role.

quit being

Suggests a voluntary or deliberate termination of a state or action.

discontinued being

Implies a formal or official termination of a state or action.

halted being

Emphasizes an abrupt or sudden cessation of a state or action.

terminated being

Signifies a definitive and irreversible end to a state or action.

abandoned being

Suggests a deliberate relinquishment of a particular state or role.

relinquished being

Implies a formal or reluctant giving up of a state or role.

lapsed into non-existence

Focuses on the disappearance or vanishing of something.

FAQs

How can I use "ceased being" in a sentence?

The phrase "ceased being" indicates that something has stopped happening or existing. For example, "The building ceased being used as a school" or "He ceased being a member of the club".

What's a less formal alternative to "ceased being"?

Alternatives to "ceased being" include "stopped being", "no longer being", or simply "is not anymore" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "ceased being" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "ceased being" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider the context and audience; simpler alternatives might be more suitable in informal settings.

What is the difference between "ceased being" and "stopped to be"?

"Ceased being" is generally used to describe a state or condition that has ended, whereas "stopped to be" isn't a standard English construction. It's more common to say "stopped being" instead.