could forfeit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could forfeit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is a possibility of losing something, typically as a consequence of an action or decision. Example: "If you fail to meet the deadline, you could forfeit your chance to participate in the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

If their financing was delayed or denied, they could forfeit their down payment.

The New York Times

A demilitarized Sinai proved that Israel could forfeit strategic depth and still feel reasonably secure.

The New York Times

People who overstay their welcome could forfeit their chance of being regularized forever.

The New York Times

The Dream Center's manager said that the Lions could forfeit if they wished.

The New York Times - Magazine

He could forfeit free agency in 2008 since the White Sox can offer him salary arbitration.

The New York Times

If the company did not begin marketing in 75 days, it could forfeit exclusivity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

But a weak state could easily forfeit investors' confidence, as happened to Argentina in its 1890 debt-and-banking crisis.

The Economist

It has recently lost the patent on one of its best-selling drugs, an antibiotic called Augmentin, and could well forfeit its monopoly on two other blockbusters, Wellbutrin and Paxil, should generic challengers succeed in court.

The Economist

Not only could regulators forfeit Bitcoin's potential economic benefits, but if Bitcoin startups begin to make their home overseas, law enforcement might lose the visibility into transactions they seek.

The Guardian - Opinion

And fans would do well not to become attached to the teams and stars on the road to the national championship, inasmuch as they could eventually forfeit their honors, the way Reggie Bush and Southern California have done and will continue to do.

The New York Times - Sports

In deciding that issue I cannot, however, approach the question formally, as the plaintiff wishes; as to say that there was a user before the patent, and therefore the patent could not forfeit this property right, or that there was never any intention to abandon the trade-mark and so it must have continued.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could forfeit" when indicating a potential consequence of an action or inaction. Ensure the context clearly establishes the conditions that lead to the potential forfeiture.

Common error

Avoid using "forfeit" when you mean "forgo". "Forfeit" implies losing something as a penalty, while "forgo" means to abstain from or give up willingly. For example, you "forfeit" your deposit by breaking a contract, but you "forgo" dessert to lose weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could forfeit" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a potential consequence or risk. It combines the modal verb 'could,' expressing possibility, with the verb 'forfeit,' meaning to lose or give up something as a penalty. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could forfeit" is a versatile expression used to indicate the possibility of losing something, typically as a consequence of a particular action or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it often highlights potential risks or penalties. Remember to distinguish "forfeit" from "forgo," as they carry different meanings. Alternatives such as "might lose" or "may relinquish" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding these subtle distinctions, you can effectively use "could forfeit" to communicate potential consequences in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could lose

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the potential for loss.

could be liable to forfeit

Indicates the potential legal obligation to give something up.

might relinquish

Indicates a potential giving up of something, often with a more formal connotation than "forfeit".

may be at risk of losing

Highlights the potential danger of losing something.

may surrender

Suggests the possibility of yielding something, often under pressure or obligation.

could be deprived of

Indicates a potential loss due to external forces or circumstances.

might have to surrender

Suggests a potential obligation to yield or give up something, often reluctantly.

might sacrifice

Implies a potential giving up of something valuable for a greater purpose or outcome.

might be stripped of

Suggests a potential forceful removal or loss of something.

may abandon

Suggests a potential leaving behind or giving up of something, often permanently.

FAQs

How can I use "could forfeit" in a sentence?

The phrase "could forfeit" indicates a possibility of losing something due to a specific action or circumstance. For example, "If you don't pay your taxes, you "could forfeit" your property".

What is a good alternative to "could forfeit"?

Alternatives include "might lose", "may relinquish", or "could sacrifice", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "could have forfeited"?

Yes, "could have forfeited" is grammatically correct. It indicates a past possibility that something could have been lost but may not have been. For example, "They "could have forfeited" the game if they hadn't scored in the final minutes".

What's the difference between "could forfeit" and "would forfeit"?

"Could forfeit" indicates a possibility, while "would forfeit" suggests a higher degree of certainty or a likely outcome under specific conditions. "If you cheat, you "could forfeit" your prize" implies a possibility. "If you cheat, you "would forfeit" your prize" implies a more definite consequence.