Its customers began canceling or postponing orders in great numbers last year, and Ericsson acknowledged today that the decline seemed to be extending into 2003.

Catherine Stengel, a Delta spokeswoman, said that after Sept. 11, Delta began canceling more weekend flights because traffic was less "robust."

With that information in hand, under a new program that puts the F.A.A. and the airlines in closer contact, United began canceling flights.

Many travelers and parties began canceling reservations.

As the months dragged on with no action, the Pentagon warned that without prompt financing, the armed services would have to begin canceling training exercises.

We'll get a quarter million dollars in commissions--" "They'll come to their senses and begin canceling after the excitement passes," Fisk pointed out.

Companies began canceling insurance policies on cars used for carpooling.

Schools immediately began canceling classes, and residents headed to grocery stores to stock up.

Similarly, aerospace-parts makers will be hurt if Asian airlines begin canceling big aircraft orders, as he expects.

Russ Granik, the National Basketball Association's deputy commissioner, has termed tomorrow the drop-dead date before the league decides to begin canceling regular-season games.