to be terminated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be terminated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to employment, contracts, or processes that are coming to an end. Example: "The employee was informed that their position would be subject to be terminated at the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Two predicted sRNAs were found to be terminated by transcription termination factors different from the Rho-independent terminators.

BMC Genomics

For E. coli approximately half of the transcriptional units are thought to be terminated by a rho-independent terminator [ 31].

Biology Direct

Occasionally, relationships have to be terminated.

The New Yorker

"The time has come for this project to be terminated once and for all," he said.

The Guardian - Business

"People ought to be terminated and new leadership brought in," he said.

The Guardian

"The consultation is going to be terminated," a government source has said.

The Guardian

"Everybody … associated with this case was supposed to be terminated," he said.

The Guardian

Even though the pregnancy is scheduled to be terminated in two days, there's still something — someone?

The New York Times - Magazine

This matter has to be terminated, there is no possibility of him leaving now.

The Guardian - Sport

Lower tax rates on dividends and capital gains are supposed to be terminated after 2008.

The New York Times

Made just four appearances before asking for his contract to be terminated.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be terminated" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether the subject is a contract, employment, pregnancy or another entity. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the message is clearly understood.

Common error

Avoid using "to be terminated" in everyday conversation. While grammatically correct, it sounds overly formal and can be replaced with simpler alternatives like "to be ended" or "to be stopped" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be terminated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action of ending or concluding something. Ludwig provides examples showing it used across various contexts, from contracts to pregnancies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be terminated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that indicates the ending of something, particularly in formal contexts. Ludwig's analysis highlights that it is most commonly found in science, news, and business-related sources. While correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation, where alternatives like "to be ended" or "to be stopped" are more suitable. The phrase is authoritative, precise, and best reserved for situations that require a degree of professional detachment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be discontinued

Emphasizes the cessation of an activity or service. This alternative focuses more on the ongoing nature that is being ended.

to be cancelled

Implies that something planned will not happen, focusing on the annulment of a scheduled event or agreement.

to be concluded

Suggests the reaching of an end, usually after a process or deliberation, highlighting the finality of the matter.

to be eliminated

Focuses on the removal or eradication of something, emphasizing its complete disappearance or non-existence.

to be withdrawn

Indicates a removal or retraction, usually of an offer, statement, or product, stressing the act of taking something back.

to be repudiated

Emphasizes a formal rejection or denial, often involving a disavowal of responsibility or association.

to be invalidated

Suggests that something is proven to be without legal or factual basis, emphasizing its lack of validity.

to be stopped

Highlights the cessation of an action or process, focusing on bringing something to a halt.

to be deactivated

Indicates that something is made inactive or non-operational, often referring to systems or devices.

to be revoked

Implies the cancellation or reversal of a decree, permit, or privilege, emphasizing the removal of an official authorization.

FAQs

What are some less formal ways to say "to be terminated"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "to be ended", "to be stopped", or "to be cancelled" for a less formal tone.

How does the meaning of "to be terminated" change based on the context?

The meaning of "to be terminated" varies depending on the subject. For example, if a contract is "to be terminated", it means the agreement is being ended. If an employee is "to be terminated", it means their employment is ending. When a pregnancy is "to be terminated", this indicates an abortion or miscarriage.

Is "to be terminated" the same as "to be finished"?

While both indicate an end, "to be terminated" implies a more formal or official ending, often with legal or contractual implications. "To be finished" is more general and can refer to any completion, formal or informal.

When is it appropriate to use "to be terminated" instead of "to be ended"?

"To be terminated" is more appropriate in formal and professional contexts, such as legal documents, contracts, or official announcements. "To be ended" is suitable for more general and informal situations.