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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
terminate for good
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "terminate for good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a final decision to end something permanently, such as a contract, relationship, or service. Example: "After much consideration, we have decided to terminate the contract for good due to repeated breaches of agreement."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
"The arbitrator ruled against him, and the city manager upheld that decision and found that he was terminated for good cause," Albano said.
News & Media
If the patient's renal function deteriorated again AmB was terminated for good and substituted with fluconazole 400 mg daily.
Science
And if I am encouraged to march in favor of a woman's right to choose a safe, legal and affordable medical procedure to abort her maternity, where are the women who will march with me to uphold the rights of my sons and their sons to choose a safe, legal and affordable legal procedure to terminate, for reasons that range from good to not so good, their paternity?
News & Media
Mr. Keller's complaint included an allegation that, in terminating him, West Coast had breached an "implied" employment contract providing that he could be terminated only for "good cause".
News & Media
The company reserves the right to terminate for excessive usage.
News & Media
If no dose is found acceptable, terminate for futility.
She is calm and matter-of-fact when she details the experience, but tears form when the 25-year-old describes her "breaking point" – the moment she resolved to terminate the relationship for good.
News & Media
Mr. Evans said that Mr. Coats — who, he said, had consistently received good performance reviews — was terminated for conduct that was legal and outside of work.
News & Media
Ms. Mayer will need to be employed by Yahoo at the time for these awards to vest, but if she is terminated without good reason, they automatically vest.
News & Media
Family reunification services have been terminated for these children and there is a shortage of good homes and willing parents in Los Angeles to care for these kids.
News & Media
"Just tell them they're being terminated for poor performance.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "terminate for good" to clearly communicate that a decision or action is final and irreversible. This phrase leaves no room for ambiguity about the end of something.
Common error
Avoid using "terminate for good" in very casual settings where simpler alternatives like "end" or "stop" might be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your language sound overly formal or dramatic.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "terminate for good" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a decisive action to bring something to a permanent end. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, conveying a final decision to end something permanently.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
33%
Wiki
17%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "terminate for good" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a permanent and irreversible end to something. According to Ludwig, it is best used when aiming to clearly communicate a final decision, particularly in neutral to formal contexts like news reports, scientific papers, and professional communications. While the phrase is not incorrect in informal settings, simpler alternatives like "end" or "stop" may be more appropriate. Though categorized as uncommon in frequency, its authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian reinforces its validity in formal writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
end permanently
Emphasizes the lasting nature of the termination without specifying the reason.
cease indefinitely
Highlights the lack of a defined end time, implying a long-term halt.
discontinue entirely
Focuses on stopping something completely, without any chance of resumption.
halt for good
A shorter and more direct way to convey the idea of a permanent stop.
permanently abolish
Implies a formal and decisive action to eliminate something.
bring to a definitive end
Suggests a planned and resolute conclusion.
put an irreversible stop to
Stresses the impossibility of reversing the termination.
cancel for good
Commonly used in the context of events, subscriptions or agreements.
resolve to terminate
Indicates a firm decision has been made to bring something to an end, with resolve reinforcing the definitive nature of the decision.
conclude definitively
Emphasizes that the termination marks the ultimate end, suggesting no further continuation or doubt.
FAQs
What does "terminate for good" mean?
The phrase "terminate for good" means to end something permanently and without any possibility of it being resumed or restarted. It signifies a final and irreversible conclusion.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "terminate for good"?
It's appropriate to use "terminate for good" when you want to emphasize the finality of a decision or action. It's suitable in formal contexts, such as legal agreements or official announcements, and also in situations where you want to express a strong sense of closure.
Are there any alternatives to "terminate for good"?
Yes, you can use alternatives such as "end permanently", "cease indefinitely", or "discontinue entirely" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.
Is "terminate for good" the same as "end for good"?
Yes, "terminate for good" and "end for good" are very similar in meaning, both indicating a final and irreversible conclusion. "Terminate" is often used in more formal or official contexts, while "end" is more general and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested