was terminated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was terminated" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the end or conclusion of something. For example: "The experiment was terminated when the amount of data collected reached a critical level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The investigation was terminated.

The New York Times

Magness' contract was terminated.

The Guardian - Sport

Their employment was terminated.

The New York Times

The contract was terminated.

The New York Times

The pregnancy was terminated.

The Guardian

In April, Hartzell was terminated.

The New Yorker

The second search was terminated.

The Guardian

It was terminated for nonpayment.

The New York Times

After seven months, he, too, was terminated.

The New York Times

One was terminated for disciplinary violations.

The New York Times

Mr. DiCarmine was terminated this week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was terminated", ensure the context clearly indicates what ended and why. Be specific about the subject that was terminated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was terminated" without clearly stating who or what performed the termination. For example, instead of "The contract was terminated", specify "The company terminated the contract" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was terminated" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something has been brought to an end. Ludwig's examples show it commonly describes the conclusion of agreements, employment, investigations, and even pregnancies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was terminated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that conveys the ending or cessation of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, appearing commonly in news, science, and business settings. While it's a clear and direct way to indicate termination, it's best practice to ensure the context clarifies the subject of termination to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "was discontinued" or "was stopped" can offer slightly different nuances. Overall, "was terminated" is a reliable and widely understood phrase for indicating that something has come to an end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was discontinued

Indicates a cessation or interruption, similar to terminated, but often implies a more gradual or voluntary ending.

was stopped

Implies a halt or cessation, often suddenly or abruptly.

was ceased

A more formal way of saying stopped or ended.

was concluded

Suggests a formal ending, often after a period of deliberation or activity.

was canceled

Implies that a planned event or activity was called off.

was invalidated

Means that something was rendered null or void, losing its legal or official standing.

was repudiated

Signifies a rejection or disavowal, often in a formal or official context.

was withdrawn

Indicates that something was taken back or removed, often from consideration or circulation.

was eliminated

Suggests a removal or eradication, often implying a permanent end.

was halted

Similar to stopped, but may suggest a more temporary or strategic pause.

FAQs

How can I use "was terminated" in a sentence?

You can use "was terminated" to indicate the ending of something, such as a contract, employment, or experiment. For instance, "The contract "was terminated" due to non-compliance".

What are some alternatives to "was terminated"?

Alternatives include "was discontinued", "was stopped", or "was concluded", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "terminated"?

While "was terminated" (passive voice) is acceptable, using the active voice (e.g., "The company terminated the agreement") often provides more clarity and directness.

What's the difference between "was terminated" and "was suspended"?

"Was terminated" implies a permanent end, while "was suspended" suggests a temporary cessation with the possibility of resumption later.