may cease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may cease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to stop or come to an end, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "If the conditions are not met, the funding may cease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Without extra funds, their work may cease.

The New York Times - Arts

Coastal structures may cease to function properly due to seabed scouring.

Applied Ocean Research

Reproduction may cease altogether in years of extreme drought, as it does in some lizards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Say you read Keats's sonnet "When I have fears that I may cease to be" backward.

The New Yorker

Within a year, it is claimed, Colombia may cease to be an important source of drugs.

The Economist

But the acrimony between the organization and Miller and Jackson may cease soon.

The New York Times - Sports

One day, Labour may indeed have had its last chance, and may cease to count.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's almost heartbreaking to think it may cease to be," she said.

The New York Times

Eventually, the fixed glass touchscreens of today may cease to exist.

The Guardian - Tech

On a formal level, the corporation may cease to exist after the acquisition (see transactional technique below).

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As another example, given climate change, some restoration may cease to be an appropriate undertaking.

Environmental Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may cease", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or state is potentially ending. Clarity is crucial for the reader to understand the condition that might lead to the cessation.

Common error

Avoid using "may cease" in very informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "might stop" or "could end" are often more appropriate and less stilted in casual communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may cease" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or contingency. It suggests that an action or state has the potential to stop or terminate under certain conditions. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

54%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may cease" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of something stopping or terminating. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While "may cease" is common across various contexts, it finds frequent usage in formal, scientific, and news-related content. For informal communication, simpler alternatives like "might stop" or "could end" are often preferable. Remember to ensure clarity by explicitly stating the conditions that could lead to the cessation. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "may cease" to convey uncertainty about future events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might end

Replaces "cease" with a simpler synonym, "end", while maintaining the modal "might" for possibility.

could stop

Substitutes "cease" with "stop" and "may" with "could", indicating a potential halt.

might discontinue

Uses a more formal synonym, "discontinue", for "cease", keeping "might" to show possibility.

could terminate

Replaces "cease" with the more formal "terminate", and "may" with "could", implying a formal ending.

is liable to halt

Expresses a likelihood of stopping, replacing the modal verb with "is liable to".

is subject to termination

Indicates that something is at risk of being terminated, using a passive construction.

is apt to conclude

Suggests a natural tendency to end, using "apt to" instead of a modal verb.

is inclined to stop

Implies a predisposition to cease, using "inclined to" to convey the possibility.

has the potential to finish

Rephrases the idea of ceasing as having the "potential to finish", focusing on capability.

runs the risk of expiring

Conveys the possibility of ending by using "runs the risk of expiring", which is more dramatic.

FAQs

What does "may cease" mean?

"May cease" means that something has the possibility of stopping or coming to an end. It suggests a conditional termination or discontinuation.

How can I use "may cease" in a sentence?

Use "may cease" to indicate a potential ending under certain conditions. For example: "If funding is not secured, the project "may cease"."

What are some alternatives to "may cease"?

You can use alternatives like "might end", "could stop", or "might discontinue" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "may cease" over other similar phrases?

"May cease" is often appropriate in formal or legal contexts where a precise indication of potential termination is needed. In more casual settings, alternatives might be more suitable.