could be forfeited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be forfeited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something may be lost or given up, often in legal or contractual situations. Example: "If the terms of the agreement are not met, the deposit could be forfeited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Tens of millions of dollars in federal support could be forfeited.

The New York Times

In the end, these funds could be forfeited entirely.The idea is to impose sanctions early in the process rather than at the end, when they would only exacerbate a country's fiscal problems.

The Economist

Gen. John Reynolds several hours the next day to bring up his I Corps, and Buford realized that if he withdrew and allowed Lee to claim the high ground, the battle – and quite possibly the war – could be forfeited.

The New York Times

Ahead of the vote Thursday, a bipartisan group of senators warned the Palestinians that millions in U.S. financial aid could be forfeited if they use their upgraded U.N. status against Israel.

The Washington Post

Although the cap proposal was thrown out in the face of objections from the Americans and the British, the G20 agreed a "clawback" scheme to ensure that bonuses are linked to the long-term success of deals and could be forfeited if they fail to deliver over a period of years.

Independent

In addition, $50 million from M/A-COM has been held essentially in an escrow account, to cover the state's costs, and that money could be forfeited to the state should the contract be canceled, according to a spokeswoman for the Office for Technology.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

WASHINGTON -- Budget referees and transportation officials in Wisconsin have informed Gov. Scott Walker (R) that if he were to pass his controversial anti-union legislation into law, he could be forfeiting tens of millions of dollars in federal funds for transportation.

Huffington Post

"Were I ever alone in the dock I would not want to be arraigned before our flawed tribunals, knowing my freedom could be forfeit as a result of political pressures.

Independent

Best quote: "Were I ever alone in the dock I would not want to be arraigned before our flawed tribunals, knowing my freedom could be forfeit as a result of political pressures.

The Guardian

Woe betide Marrakesh-bound traders who used High Atlas mountain passes without paying their dues to this family of mountain toll-keepers: goods and freedom could be forfeit to the Glaoui.

BBC

How about the issue of domestic abuse, mainly the fact that residents are less likely to call the police because they realize that their homes could be forfeit?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be forfeited" when discussing potential consequences or conditions that might lead to a loss of rights, assets, or opportunities. Ensure the context clearly indicates the conditions under which the forfeiture might occur.

Common error

Avoid using "could be forfeited" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "could be lost" or "might be given up" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be forfeited" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility of something being lost or surrendered. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to express potential consequences, particularly in legal or contractual contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be forfeited" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates the possibility of something being lost or surrendered, often as a consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its primary function is to warn of a potential negative outcome, and it's most frequently encountered in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. While acceptable, you should consider less formal options, like "could be lost", in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be relinquished

Emphasizes the act of giving something up voluntarily or involuntarily.

may be surrendered

Focuses on the act of yielding or giving up something, often under compulsion.

could be lost

A more general term indicating the potential for something to disappear or be taken away.

might be surrendered

Expresses possibility of handing something over to someone.

may be lost

Offers the sense of something being accidentally misplaced.

could be relinquished

Implies a formal act of giving up a claim or right.

might be taken away

Suggests an external force causing the loss.

may be seized

Highlights the possibility of something being forcibly taken.

could be surrendered

Expresses possibility of ceasing resistance.

might be confiscated

Suggests the potential for something being taken as a penalty.

FAQs

What does "could be forfeited" mean?

The phrase "could be forfeited" means that something has the potential to be lost or surrendered, usually as a penalty or consequence of not meeting certain conditions or obligations. It indicates a possibility of losing a right, asset, or privilege.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "could be forfeited"?

It's appropriate to use "could be forfeited" in formal contexts, such as legal documents, contracts, or official notices, where there's a need to clearly state the potential consequences of non-compliance. For more casual situations, consider alternatives like "could be lost" or "might be relinquished".

What are some synonyms for "could be forfeited"?

Synonyms for "could be forfeited" include "might be surrendered", "may be seized", "could be relinquished", or "might be taken away". The best alternative will depend on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "could be forfeited" in a sentence?

You can use "could be forfeited" in a sentence like this: "If the terms of the agreement are not met, the deposit "might be relinquished"". Make sure the context clearly indicates what actions could lead to the forfeiture.