might be extinguished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be extinguished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility that something could be put out or ended, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "If the fire is not controlled soon, it might be extinguished before it spreads further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She's cute, but all she has going for her might be extinguished before reaching adulthood.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, the successful implementation of civil rights legislation in the 1960s eventually inspired people to start thinking about racism as something that might be extinguished, or at least contained.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Trump is dangerous, and the threat he poses might not be extinguished by a loss at the polls.

The Washington Post

The fire would be extinguished.

The Guardian

It will not be extinguished before then".

The New York Times - Sports

Beacons should not, must not be extinguished.

Los Angeles Times

One which now may be extinguished forever.

Huffington Post

9. Demand your loan be extinguished.

Huffington Post

#NelsonMandela may your light never be extinguished.

Huffington Post

And the dysfunctional conduct can be extinguished.

Los Angeles Times

For the rest, hope would be extinguished.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be extinguished" to express a possibility rather than a certainty. It's best suited for situations where there's a chance of something ending, but it's not guaranteed.

Common error

Avoid using "might be extinguished" excessively in formal or business writing. Opt for stronger, more direct language when certainty is needed. "Will be terminated" or "is likely to end" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be extinguished" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. It suggests that something could be brought to an end or suppressed, but it is not a definite statement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be extinguished" is a modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of something ending or being suppressed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and while it appears more frequently in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. When aiming for precision, consider stronger alternatives in formal settings. Remember that "might be extinguished" conveys uncertainty, distinguishing it from more definitive statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be put out

A more direct and literal alternative, applicable to tangible things like fires or lights.

may be snuffed out

Implies a sudden and complete end, often with a sense of finality or abruptness.

could be quenched

Emphasizes the act of suppressing or satisfying a desire or feeling rather than a literal extinguishing.

could be suppressed

Focuses on the act of holding something back or preventing it from being expressed or developed.

may be terminated

Suggests a formal or official ending, often used in the context of contracts or agreements.

could be abolished

Implies the complete removal or ending of a system, practice, or institution.

might be invalidated

Suggests that something could lose its legal or official standing.

may be nullified

Similar to 'invalidated', but implies a more formal and legal declaration of something being void.

could be phased out

Implies a gradual ending or removal over a period of time.

might be stamped out

Conveys a forceful and decisive action to eliminate something, often used for undesirable things like diseases or rebellions.

FAQs

How can I use "might be extinguished" in a sentence?

You can use "might be extinguished" to express the possibility that something could end or be suppressed. For example, "If the allegations are true, his career "might be extinguished"."

What are some alternatives to "might be extinguished"?

Alternatives include "could be quenched", "may be snuffed out", or "could be suppressed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "might be extinguish" instead of "might be extinguished"?

No, "might be extinguish" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "might be extinguished", where "extinguished" is the past participle of the verb "extinguish".

What's the difference between "might be extinguished" and "will be extinguished"?

"Might be extinguished" expresses a possibility or uncertainty about something ending, while "will be extinguished" indicates a higher degree of certainty that it will end. The first one is about possibilities, the second one is about expectations.