might forfeit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might forfeit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of losing something, typically a right, privilege, or opportunity, due to certain actions or circumstances. Example: "If you fail to submit your application by the deadline, you might forfeit your chance to participate in the program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Countries that meet nationally tailored objectives might gain additional E.U. financing, while those that do not might forfeit some allocations.

The New York Times

One inference was that, if the Palestinians failed to secure a state, Israelis might forfeit theirs too.

The Economist

Last year he chastised central Europeans for their low tax rates, suggesting that countries with below-average corporate taxes might forfeit European Union subsidies.

The Economist

Other military experts raised concerns that the United States might forfeit some of its hard-won gains if it moved to shrink its forces in Afghanistan too quickly.

The New York Times

Ms. Epps, the Forrester analyst, said that by separating the businesses, Barnes & Noble might forfeit long-term relationships it had built with publishers.

The New York Times

With America withdrawing from a costly and divisive war abroad while beset by economic ills at home, some international observers had thought the large Western nation might forfeit the No. 1 nod to the unexciting but steady Soviet Union.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Any candidate who did so might well forfeit a fortune, but guarantee a landslide.

Independent

Otherwise, he says, they might have forfeited whatever moral authority they enjoyed over their Communist foes.

The New York Times

Some Great Hural members thought that Narantsatsralt might have forfeited Mongolia's right to buy Russia's 49% share in the joint Mongolian-Russian copper-mining venture in Erdenet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now all of the wives seem prepared to make a break for it, even as they recognize they might be forfeiting their serenity: their money, their homes, their community.

The New York Times - Magazine

An appellate court may find that a government entity does not have the right to force a failing enterprise to stay in business, but that business, in this case, might have forfeited its right to go out of business.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might forfeit", ensure the context clearly indicates what could be lost and the conditions that could lead to the loss. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "might forfeit" excessively in highly formal or legal writing where more precise terms like "shall relinquish" or "will surrender" may be more appropriate. Choose vocabulary to match style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might forfeit" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential outcome. It suggests that a particular action or inaction could result in the loss of something valuable, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Sports

18%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "might forfeit" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of losing something, often a right, privilege, or opportunity. According to Ludwig, its usage is considered correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears across different contexts, notably in news, sports, and business. When writing, clarity is key: make sure to specify what might be lost and under what conditions. Alternatives such as "could relinquish" or "may surrender" can be used depending on the context's formality and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might relinquish

Similar to 'could relinquish' but retains the element of possibility.

stand to forfeit

Emphasizes the potential for future loss contingent on current circumstances.

could relinquish

Implies a potential formal surrender or giving up of something.

potentially sacrifice

Emphasizes the element of sacrifice in losing something

may surrender

Suggests a possibility of giving up something, often under pressure.

risk losing

Focuses on the chance of losing something due to a particular action or situation.

could be deprived of

Indicates that someone may forcibly lose their position.

could sacrifice

Highlights the potential need to give something up for a greater cause or benefit.

may be stripped of

This suggests the removal of something, possibly with legal or official authority.

may have to give up

Indicates a potential obligation or necessity to concede something.

FAQs

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

You can use "might forfeit" to express a possibility of losing something due to certain circumstances. For example, "If you don't follow the rules, you "might forfeit" your opportunity".

What is a stronger alternative to "might forfeit"?

A stronger alternative could be "will lose", depending on the context and the level of certainty you want to convey. However, using "will lose" indicates a higher degree of certainty than "might forfeit".

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

"Might forfeit" and "could forfeit" are often interchangeable, both expressing possibility. However, "might" sometimes suggests a slightly lower probability than "could".

Is it better to use "might forfeit" or "may forfeit" in formal writing?

"May forfeit" is generally considered more formal than "might forfeit". However, both are acceptable. The choice depends on the overall tone and style of your document.