to terminate

USAGE SUMMARY

'to terminate' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about something coming to an end or stopping. For example, "We decided to terminate the project early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

tries to terminate the deal.

The New York Times

To terminate its own life?

The New Yorker

Sad to terminate.

The Guardian - Books

It plans to terminate its pension plans.

The New York Times

They chose to terminate their contracts.

The Guardian

The decision was made to terminate LEP.

The Guardian

"They wanted me to terminate, but I wouldn't.

The Guardian - Film

The company reserves the right to terminate for excessive usage.

The New York Times - Tech

"Instead, the state made the decision to terminate.

The New York Times

Now it may be time to terminate the program altogether.

The New York Times

(Bryant has an option to terminate his contract this summer).

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the specific connotation in each context. In employment, it means firing; in medicine, it can refer to ending a pregnancy.

Common error

Avoid using "to terminate" in casual conversations where simpler words like "end" or "stop" would be more natural. Overusing formal language can sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to terminate" functions primarily as an infinitive, indicating an action to be performed. Ludwig examples confirm its use in contexts ranging from ending contracts to medical procedures, demonstrating its versatile application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to terminate" is a versatile infinitive phrase commonly used to express the action of bringing something to an end. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal contexts such as news, science, and business. While "to end", "to conclude", and "to discontinue" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, "to terminate" conveys a sense of finality that makes it particularly suitable for legal, medical, and professional settings. When using "to terminate", be mindful of the specific connotation in each context to ensure your message is clear and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to end

This is a more general and widely applicable alternative. It's simpler and less formal.

to conclude

This alternative suggests a formal ending or resolution, particularly in discussions or agreements.

to discontinue

This implies stopping something that is ongoing, often a service or product.

to cease

A more formal and absolute way to say "to stop". It often suggests a permanent ending.

to halt

This implies a sudden or abrupt stop, often due to an external factor.

to cancel

This refers to stopping something that was planned or scheduled, such as an event or agreement.

to abort

This suggests prematurely ending an action, often used in technical or medical contexts.

to break off

This implies ending a relationship or connection.

to dissolve

This refers to formally ending an organization or agreement.

to put an end to

This is a more emphatic way to say "to end", often implying a decisive action.

FAQs

How can I use "to terminate" in a sentence?

You can use "to terminate" in sentences like, "The company decided "to terminate" the contract", or "The doctor had "to terminate" the pregnancy for medical reasons".

What are some alternatives to "to terminate"?

Some alternatives to "to terminate" include "to end", "to conclude", "to discontinue", or "to cease", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "to terminate" instead of "to end"?

"To terminate" is more formal and decisive than "to end". Use "to terminate" in situations requiring a formal or legal tone, while "to end" is suitable for more general contexts.

What's the difference between "to terminate" and "to cancel"?

"To terminate" implies bringing something to a complete end, often permanently, whereas "to cancel" refers to stopping a planned event or agreement. You might "to terminate" a contract, but "to cancel" a meeting.