could be relinquished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be relinquished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of giving up or letting go of something, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "The rights to the property could be relinquished if both parties agree to the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Authorities at the facility told her he could be relinquished for adoption, she said, as gasps came from the crowd.

The Washington Post

But he also said that "obviously the sooner that power could be relinquished to civilian authorities, the better for the democracy that the Egyptian people will have".

The New York Times

The Nebraska law, however, went further than that of any other state in keeping loose the definition of those who could be relinquished by their carers.

The Guardian

Meanwhile there was some positive news for Greece when two European Central Bank policy makers suggested that profits on Greek sovereign bonds held by the central bank could be relinquished to help fill a financing gap and avert a Greek default.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Yet the left-handed Wells knows that unless Commissioner Bud Selig denies the Blue Jays' request to void the Jan . 14trade because of Sirotka's ailing left shoulder, he could be relinquishing his "best thing".

The New York Times - Sports

Nevertheless, the requirement that hypotheses and theories be empirically testable, though it became more flexible and tolerant, could not be relinquished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The gesture was necessary, he said, to show reciprocity, to underscore that the common Armenian biases against Kurds — as bloodthirsty savages — could also be relinquished.

The New Yorker

This construction allows him to reconcile his rejection of a substantial self as an essentially unchanging unifier of our mental live distinct from both its physical and mental attributes with the acceptance of the self as an agent who will experience the results of his actions, an assumption which could not be relinquished within the Buddhist worldview.

SEP

Where there's life, hope must never be relinquished.

The New Yorker

The lead would not be relinquished.

Los Angeles Times

Therefore, this property could have been relinquished by the Brucella ancestor, keeping and increasing its resistance to host bactericidal peptides.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be relinquished", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the relinquishing and what is being relinquished. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "could be relinquished" without specifying the agent (who is relinquishing). While passive voice is acceptable, overuse without clarity can make your writing vague and less impactful. Consider rephrasing to active voice when appropriate for a more direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be relinquished" functions as a passive construction indicating a possibility or potential action. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses that something is capable of being surrendered or given up. The examples show its use in various contexts, from rights and power to control.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be relinquished" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the possibility of something being surrendered or given up. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While the phrase isn't overly common, it finds use across diverse sources such as news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias. It tends to be formal but the register is neutral. When employing the phrase, it is important to ensure clarity regarding the agent and the object being relinquished. Alternatives like "might be surrendered" or "can be waived" offer nuanced variations suitable for different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be surrendered

Focuses on the act of giving up something, often implying a formal or unwilling concession.

may be forfeited

Highlights the potential loss of something due to a rule, error, or crime.

can be surrendered

Similar to "might be surrendered" but suggests a greater degree of possibility or ease.

might be yielded

Implies conceding or giving way to pressure or demand.

may be ceded

Refers to formally handing over territory or rights, often in a treaty or agreement.

can be conceded

Emphasizes reluctant agreement or acknowledgment of something.

might be abandoned

Focuses on leaving something behind, often due to difficulty or lack of resources.

may be sacrificed

Implies giving up something valuable for a greater cause or purpose.

can be waived

Refers to voluntarily giving up a right or claim.

might be passed on

Emphasizes transferring something to someone else, often through inheritance or succession.

FAQs

How can I use "could be relinquished" in a sentence?

You can use "could be relinquished" to describe a potential surrender or giving up of something, such as "The rights to the property "could be relinquished" if both parties agree."

What are some alternatives to "could be relinquished"?

Alternatives include "might be surrendered", "may be forfeited", or "can be waived" depending on the specific context.

Is "could be relinquished" formal or informal?

"Could be relinquished" leans towards a more formal register, often found in legal, business, or official contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What does "relinquish" mean in the phrase "could be relinquished"?

In this context, "relinquish" means to voluntarily give up or surrender something, such as a right, claim, or possession. The phrase indicates a possibility that this surrender might occur.