could be terminated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be terminated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the possibility of ending a contract, agreement, or employment. Example: "Due to repeated violations of company policy, your employment could be terminated if the behavior continues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore, he insists the contract could be terminated at anytime because it was indefinite in duration.

Harvard University

Crucially, the extension period could be terminated by mutual agreement at any point.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the smoker refused to cooperate, his proprietary lease could be terminated for objectionable conduct.

The New York Times

And once he got past the preliminaries, he was told, he could be terminated only for dishonesty.

The New York Times - Magazine

Any ongoing emergency could be terminated at any time by Congress, which was supposed to regularly consider just that question.

The Washington Post

They say they are not bluffing, that the season could be terminated in the next few weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

A parallel 2-stage design was employed so that a less efficacious arm could be terminated early.

Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation

The terms of the lease stated that it could be terminated by not less than 30 days' notice, while apparently no more than five days' notice was given.

Cornell University

In other words, once the co-op decided that Mr. Pullman had engaged in objectionable conduct, his lease could be terminated and he could be evicted.

The New York Times

"The lease was supposed to go next spring, but by mutual agreement it could be terminated fairly soon," Dr. Koppelman said.

The New York Times

Then, in 1934, Cuban and American officials negotiated a legally binding perpetual lease that could be terminated only by mutual agreement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential outcomes in contracts or agreements, use "could be terminated" to clearly state the possibility of ending the arrangement if certain conditions are met.

Common error

While "could be terminated" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in overly casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "could end" or "might stop" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be terminated" functions as a passive construction of the verb 'terminate', indicating a potential action that might be performed on a subject. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is often used in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be terminated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies the possibility of ending an agreement, contract, or arrangement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English, particularly in formal and professional contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific sources, it's essential to consider the register and choose simpler alternatives like "may be discontinued" or "might be canceled" for informal scenarios. When writing with "could be terminated", be direct in specifying the conditions or reasons for potential termination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be discontinued

Replaces "terminated" with "discontinued", softening the tone and implying a cessation of activity.

might be canceled

Substitutes "terminated" with "canceled", suggesting a formal annulment or invalidation.

can be revoked

Replaces "terminated" with "revoked", emphasizing the withdrawal of permission or authority.

is subject to cancellation

Emphasizes the conditional nature of the agreement, highlighting the possibility of cancellation.

is liable to be ended

Uses "ended" instead of "terminated", making the phrase more straightforward and less formal.

could be brought to an end

Rephrases the idea using more words, focusing on the action of ending something.

can be invalidated

Replaces "terminated" with "invalidated", emphasizing the act of making something legally void.

may be dissolved

Uses "dissolved" instead of "terminated", typically applied to agreements or partnerships, suggesting a complete breakdown.

might be rescinded

Substitutes "terminated" with "rescinded", indicating a formal retraction or repeal of an agreement.

is open to termination

Highlights that the possibility to terminate something exists.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be terminated" to indicate the possibility of ending an agreement, contract, or employment. For instance, "The contract "could be terminated" if the terms are not met."

What are some alternatives to "could be terminated"?

Alternatives include "may be discontinued", "might be canceled", or "can be revoked" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be terminated" or "can be terminated"?

Both "could be terminated" and "can be terminated" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Could" suggests a possibility, while "can" implies an ability or right. Use "could" when emphasizing potential, and "can" when emphasizing capability.

What's the difference between "could be terminated" and "will be terminated"?

"Could be terminated" indicates a possibility, while "will be terminated" expresses a certainty or a planned action. "Will be terminated" implies a decision has been made, while "could be terminated" suggests it is only a potential outcome.