may be ceased

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be ceased" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct expression would typically be "may cease" or "may be discontinued." Example: "The project may be ceased if funding is not secured."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Doxycycline was ceased.

BMC Infectious Diseases

It's not a question of whether this will make things better or worse, it's more that the whole idea of "better" may be gradually ceasing to exist.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the Company does not complete the transaction it may be forced to cease operations.

TechCrunch

In some cases, search warrants may be required to cease evidence from people's residences".

Vice

"Secretary Sebelius's fundraising for and coordinating with private entities helping to implement the new health care law may be illegal, should cease immediately and should be fully investigated by Congress," Alexander said in the statement.

Huffington Post

In severe cases, angioembolization may be required to cease the bleeding.

BioMed Research International

Prescribers may be unwilling to cease drugs that appear to be working and importantly doing no harm; and patients are unlikely to request the drug be stopped.

BMC Health Services Research

10 Additionally, external factors may also result in lower Ω-3 supplement use among people with cancer: patients may relinquish their CAM use when their use of other forms of medical treatment increases 27; or patients may be advised to cease all other medications when undergoing cancer treatment.

BMJ Open

We think one possible explanation for the use of chemotherapy within 1 month of death in newly diagnosed patients can be the feeling 'to give a chance' to chemotherapy; it may be easier to cease treatment in the heavily treated ones.

BMC Palliative Care

Abundant amounts of mucus in the respiratory tract which may be a sign of ceased placenta function before the birth process was completed, resulting in suffocation of the calf.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

But it may be a temporary cease-fire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct form "may cease" instead of the grammatically incorrect "may be ceased". For example, "The project may cease if funding is not secured."

Common error

Avoid using the passive construction "may be ceased" as it's grammatically awkward. Opt for the active form "may cease" for clarity and correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be ceased" is an incorrect passive construction. The verb "cease" typically functions intransitively. Ludwig AI points out that standard English usage dictates using "may cease" instead.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be ceased" is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI highlights, the correct usage is "may cease". This phrase expresses the possibility of something ending. While the intention is clear, the incorrect structure undermines the message's credibility. For better clarity and adherence to grammatical standards, always opt for "may cease" or other alternatives like "might be stopped" or "could be discontinued". Using the right phrase enhances your writing, particularly in professional or formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may cease

Direct replacement with the grammatically correct form of the phrase.

might be stopped

Replaces "ceased" with "stopped", conveying a similar meaning of halting an action.

could be discontinued

Uses "discontinued" to suggest a formal termination, suitable for processes or services.

may be terminated

Employs "terminated" to indicate a definitive end, often in official or contractual contexts.

may be concluded

Suggests the completion or ending of something, like a project or discussion.

might come to an end

Expresses the idea of something ending, with a slightly less formal tone.

could be suspended

Implies a temporary halt, rather than a complete cessation.

may be abandoned

Indicates that something might be given up or deserted.

might be canceled

Suggests that an event or plan could be called off.

may be phased out

Implies a gradual ending, rather than an immediate stop.

FAQs

How should I correctly use "may cease" in a sentence?

Use "may cease" to indicate a potential ending or termination. For example, "The collaboration "may cease" if the objectives are not met."

What's a better alternative to the phrase "may be ceased"?

Instead of "may be ceased", use "may cease", "might be stopped", or "could be discontinued" for better grammatical accuracy.

Is there a difference in meaning between "may cease" and "may be ceased"?

While "may cease" is the grammatically correct way to express a potential ending, "may be ceased" is incorrect and should be avoided. Stick with "may cease" to convey the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "may cease" in writing?

Use "may cease" in formal writing when discussing potential terminations or endings of projects, agreements, or activities. For instance, "The program "may cease" operations at the end of the fiscal year."