would be canceled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would be canceled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an event or action is expected to be called off or annulled in the future under certain conditions. Example: "If the weather does not improve, the outdoor concert would be canceled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In their absence, classes would be canceled.

The New York Times

It also said that the Joneses' party would be canceled.

The New York Times

He betrayed no hint that the marathon would be canceled.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was really hoping that the game would be canceled.

The New York Times - Sports

A senior Homeland Security official said that deportations would be canceled case by case.

The New York Times

Field trips requiring yellow-bus service would be canceled, but after-school programs would continue.

The New York Times

In others, they feared that unused lines of credit would be canceled.

The New York Times

City officials quickly announced the waste-discharge plan would be canceled.

The New York Times

Right after Sept. 11, I thought the race would be canceled.

The New York Times - Sports

The permit noted that the event would be canceled if it caused a significant disruption.

The New York Times

Mr. Smith said no programs would be canceled, but some might be delayed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would be canceled", ensure the context clearly indicates the condition or reason leading to the cancellation. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "would be canceled" without specifying the condition or reason. For example, instead of saying "The meeting would be canceled", specify "The meeting "would be canceled if" the speaker is unavailable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would be canceled" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a future event that is conditional. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage across various contexts, emphasizing the contingency of the cancellation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would be canceled" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express the future possibility of an event being called off, depending on certain conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and widespread across various domains, particularly in News & Media. When using "would be canceled", clarity is key: specifying the conditions leading to cancellation avoids ambiguity. While "will be canceled" implies certainty, "would be canceled" suggests a contingency. Alternatives like "is likely to be called off" or "is expected to be terminated" offer nuanced variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is likely to be called off

Replaces the modal "would" with "is likely to", emphasizing probability but maintaining the passive voice.

is expected to be terminated

Substitutes "canceled" with "terminated", adding a more formal tone.

is anticipated to be scrapped

Uses "scrapped" instead of "canceled", suggesting that something is being discarded or abandoned.

is projected to be aborted

Replaces "canceled" with "aborted", implying a premature ending before completion.

is liable to be revoked

Employs "revoked" to mean that something is officially invalidated or rescinded.

is set to be nullified

Indicates that something will be made void or legally invalid.

is subject to rescission

Uses the legal term "rescission", meaning the revocation or cancellation of a contract.

is to be invalidated

Emphasizes that something will be officially declared void and without legal force.

is on track for abandonment

Suggests that plans for something are being given up or relinquished.

faces potential termination

Highlights the possibility of termination but without the certainty implied by "would be".

FAQs

How can I use "would be canceled" in a sentence?

You can use "would be canceled" to express that an event or action is expected to be called off in the future, often depending on a specific condition. For example: "The game "would be canceled if it rains"".

What phrases are similar to "would be canceled"?

Similar phrases include "is likely to be called off", "is expected to be terminated", and "is anticipated to be scrapped", each carrying slightly different nuances of expectation and formality.

Is it better to use "will be canceled" or "would be canceled"?

"Will be canceled" implies a higher degree of certainty, while "would be canceled" suggests a conditional or hypothetical scenario. Choose "will" when the cancellation is definite, and "would" when it depends on something else.

What's the difference between "would be canceled" and "was canceled"?

"Would be canceled" refers to a future or hypothetical cancellation, whereas "was canceled" refers to a cancellation that has already occurred. The first expresses a possibility, the second a past event.