Used and loved by millions
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
was terminated by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "was terminated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an action or process has been ended or concluded by a specific agent or entity. Example: "The contract was terminated by the company due to non-compliance with the terms."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
perished because of
slain by
fell victim to
was ended by
was discontinued by
was concluded by
was stopped by
was invalidated by
died by the hand of
succumbed to
was intervened by
was participated by
was emulated by
was sent by
was attended by
was intended by
participated in
was handled by
was entered by
saw the presence of
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Socrates' life was terminated by his trial and execution.
News & Media
This harsh viceregal power was terminated by Austrian conquest (1707).
Encyclopedias
Ashley Cole has joined LA Galaxy after his contract at Roma was terminated by mutual consent.
News & Media
One investigation, into a Saudi arms deal, was terminated by Tony Blair's government.
News & Media
Mr. Patterson, whose contract was terminated by the track, could not be reached for comment.
News & Media
I was terminated by a major corporation for what they said was misconduct.
News & Media
Uptake was terminated by placing the cells on ice.
Science
It was terminated by washing with the cold buffer.
The outer conductor was terminated by a flange.
Science
Digestion was terminated by the addition of 10% FBS.
Science
The reaction was terminated by 20 mmol/L ammonium bicarbonate.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "was terminated by", ensure the agent causing the termination is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "the contract was terminated by the client".
Common error
Avoid mistakenly using the active voice when the passive construction is more appropriate. Instead of "the company terminated the contract", use "the contract was terminated by the company" to emphasize the contract's state.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "was terminated by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received the action of being terminated. Ludwig examples confirm its use in denoting the ending or conclusion of something by a specified agent.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
25%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "was terminated by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, primarily functioning to denote the ending of an action, process, or agreement by a specific agent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Its register ranges from neutral to formal, rendering it suitable for professional, academic, and scientific discourse. Common alternatives include "was ended by" and "was concluded by". It's crucial to ensure the agent causing termination is clearly identified and to use the passive voice intentionally to emphasize the subject's state.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was ended by
Simple substitution of "terminated" with "ended", resulting in a slightly less formal tone.
was concluded by
Replaces "terminated" with "concluded", emphasizing the completion aspect of the action.
was stopped by
A more direct and less formal way of saying something was brought to an end.
was discontinued by
Suggests a deliberate cessation of something, often a process or service.
was halted by
Implies a sudden stop or interruption caused by a specific factor.
was ceased by
Highlights the cessation or bringing to an end of an activity or process by an external cause.
was brought to an end by
More verbose, but clarifies the act of ending something.
was shut down by
Often used in contexts involving systems, businesses, or projects.
was suspended by
Indicates a temporary cessation, rather than a permanent end.
was abolished by
Implies a formal or legal ending of something.
FAQs
What does "was terminated by" mean?
The phrase "was terminated by" means that something was brought to an end or concluded by a specific agent or cause. It indicates a passive construction, where the subject is acted upon.
How can I use "was terminated by" in a sentence?
You can use "was terminated by" to describe the ending of a contract, employment, or process. For example, "The project "was terminated by" the board due to budget constraints."
What are some alternatives to "was terminated by"?
Alternatives include "was ended by", "was concluded by", or "was discontinued by", depending on the specific context and level of formality you require.
Is "was terminated by" formal or informal?
"Was terminated by" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. Less formal alternatives include phrases such as "was stopped by".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested