ceases to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ceases to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has come to an end or no longer exists. For example, "Once the sun sets, our picnic ceases to be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Size thus ceases to be an issue.

The Economist

The technique therefore ceases to be secure.

The Economist

It ceases to be a living work.

The Guardian - Books

The court ceases to be familiar.

The New Yorker

The photon itself ceases to be.

Cornell University

If you share it out, it ceases to be privilege.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wonder when private correspondence ceases to be private?

The Guardian - Books

Look at a play that never ceases to be done.

The Guardian

But what happens when it ceases to be universal?

The Guardian - Money

What happens when this ceases to be the case?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When it ceases to be country they won't buy it.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ceases to be" to indicate a formal or definitive end to a state, condition, or existence. For example, "Once the contract expires, it ceases to be valid."

Common error

Avoid using "ceases to be" for temporary interruptions or pauses. It's better suited for permanent or irreversible changes. For instance, don't say "The meeting ceases to be for a coffee break"; instead, use "is interrupted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ceases to be" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a change of state or the termination of existence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes the ending of a condition or quality. Examples show its use across diverse subjects, highlighting its applicability in denoting when something no longer holds a certain attribute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ceases to be" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate the termination of a state or existence. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability for various contexts, especially in formal writing. Predominantly found in news and academic sources, the phrase offers a definitive way to express that something has ended or is no longer valid. When using "ceases to be", ensure it aligns with a permanent or irreversible change rather than a temporary pause. Alternatives like "no longer exists" and "comes to an end" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The phrase presents itself as a versatile option for clear and formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no longer exists

Indicates complete non-existence, emphasizing the state of being gone.

comes to an end

Focuses on the termination or conclusion of something.

is no more

A more emphatic way of saying something doesn't exist anymore.

becomes extinct

Implies a complete disappearance, often used for species or ideas.

expires

Suggests a formal or legal end, often for contracts or rights.

terminates

Indicates a formal or official ending.

is discontinued

Emphasizes the act of stopping something, usually by an authority.

fades away

Suggests a gradual disappearance or loss of importance.

disappears

Focuses on the act of vanishing or becoming unseen.

is invalidated

Suggests something that was valid has now been nullified.

FAQs

How can I use "ceases to be" in a sentence?

Use "ceases to be" to describe something that comes to an end or no longer exists. For example, "The agreement "ceases to be" binding after one year."

What are some alternatives to "ceases to be"?

You can use phrases like "no longer exists", "comes to an end", or "is no more" as alternatives to "ceases to be", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "ceases to be"?

"Ceases to be" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something has definitively ended or changed its state permanently. It is common in formal or legal contexts.

Is "ceases to be" interchangeable with "stops being"?

While similar, "ceases to be" is more formal than "stops being". "Stops being" is more common in everyday conversation, whereas "ceases to be" carries a more authoritative tone. For example, the contract "stops being" valid.