ceasing to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ceasing to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe the act of stopping or ending something. Example: After years of struggling, the company finally announced that it would be ceasing to be in operation by the end of the month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Citywide, the Old was ceasing to be a problem.

The New York Times - Arts

It is ceasing to be, it is disintegrating..."....

The Economist

Slavery, it was argued, was ceasing to be profitable.

The Economist

But, without ever ceasing to be comic, the tale gently tips over into pathos.

The New Yorker

However, things are changing because resolution is ceasing to be a key differentiator.

The Guardian - Tech

(Matt says things like that without ceasing to be a goofy kid).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Contacts ceased to be personal.

Independent

Ahmet ceased to be jaunty.

The New Yorker

Has ceased to be.

The New York Times

We ceased to be.

The Guardian - Books

But that has ceased to be".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ceasing to be" when you want to describe the end of a state or condition, emphasizing the transition from existence to non-existence. For example, "The practice is ceasing to be relevant in modern society."

Common error

Avoid using "ceasing to be" interchangeably with simpler terms like "ending" when you want to convey a sense of fundamental change or a loss of identity. "The company ended operations" is less emphatic than "The company is ceasing to be."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ceasing to be" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a subject complement or part of a larger verb phrase. It indicates the process or state of something coming to an end, existence, or a particular condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ceasing to be" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to indicate the termination of a state, condition, or existence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can sometimes lean towards formality. When writing, consider whether a simpler term like "ending" suffices, but embrace "ceasing to be" when you want to emphasize the transition from existence to non-existence. Be mindful of its potential for sounding overly dramatic in very informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no longer existing

States the absence of existence in the present.

stopping to exist

Emphasizes the cessation of existence.

coming to an end

Focuses on the process of ending rather than the state of no longer existing.

discontinuing its existence

Highlights the active discontinuation of existence.

passing out of existence

Suggests a gradual disappearance.

terminating its being

Uses more formal language to describe the end of existence.

being extinguished

Implies a forceful or complete end to existence.

fading away

Emphasizes a gradual decline and disappearance.

becoming extinct

Specifically refers to the end of a species or type.

reaching its expiration

Suggests that something has reached the end of its natural or intended lifespan.

FAQs

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

You can use "ceasing to be" to describe something that is stopping its existence or function. For example, "The organization is "no longer existing" due to lack of funding" or "The law is "becoming obsolete"."

What's a more formal way to say "ceasing to be"?

A more formal way to express "ceasing to be" could be "terminating its being" or "discontinuing its existence". These options are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "ceasing to be" and "stop being"?

"Ceasing to be" is more formal and emphasizes a complete end to something's existence or state. "Stop being" is more informal and general. For example, "The project is "no longer existing"" (formal) vs. "Stop being a problem" (informal).

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "ceasing to be"?

While grammatically correct, "ceasing to be" might sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Consider a simpler phrase like "ending" or "stopping" in informal contexts, such as "The event is "coming to an end"" rather than "The event is ceasing to be."