be inalienable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be inalienable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing rights or properties that cannot be taken away or transferred. Example: "The right to free speech is often considered to be inalienable, as it is fundamental to a democratic society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Land itself continued to be inalienable, but the right to use the land could be mortgaged.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After 10 years of laws that have undermined many constitutional rights, beginning with the USA Patriot Act, it is sobering that eight citizens must sue the authorities to maintain rights that should be inalienable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The moment we feel certain rights to be inalienable, when we feel them to be ours as our lungs are ours, so that their loss is an excision and a death, we have become American.

The New York Times - Magazine

America led the way with such efforts, starting with an act dated 1864, signed by Abraham Lincoln, which ceded Yosemite to California, requiring that "the premises shall be held for public use, resort, and recreation; shall be inalienable for all time".

The Economist

Since a democratic constitution is a unilateral determination, on the part of an already existing people, of the concrete form of its political existence, the people's constituent power must be inalienable.

SEP

But they agreed that certain principles were so fundamental to our character as a nation as to be inalienable.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They are inalienable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such rights are inalienable.

The New York Times

Globalisation is inalienable fact.

The Guardian - Books

Press freedom and freedom of expression are inalienable human rights.

The New York Times

The right to marry, he said, was inalienable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be inalienable" when referring to fundamental rights or qualities that should not be surrendered or taken away. Ensure the context clearly establishes what possesses this untouchable status.

Common error

Avoid using "be inalienable" to describe preferences or privileges. Reserve it for rights or attributes that are considered fundamental and universally applicable, rather than personal opinions or easily altered circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be inalienable" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun (often "rights") to describe its inherent and untransferable quality. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. For example, "The rights are ours — inalienable, self-evident."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be inalienable" is used to describe something that cannot be taken away or transferred. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct. It frequently appears in discussions about fundamental human rights, legal principles, and philosophical concepts. While not extremely common, it is found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, particularly within news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. Understanding the scope and appropriate contexts ensures its accurate application, reserving it for universally applicable rights rather than personal preferences. Alternatives like ""be non-transferable"" or ""be unassailable"" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be unalienable

Synonymous, using a slightly different spelling variation.

be non-transferable

Focuses on the inability to give the right to another party.

be indefeasible

Indicates a right that cannot be lost or annulled, except by one's own actions.

be unassailable

Emphasizes the impossibility of attacking or questioning the right.

be inviolable

Highlights the sanctity and untouchable nature of the right.

be unchallengeable

Stresses that the right cannot be disputed or contested.

be non-negotiable

Highlights the fact that it cannot be compromised or bargained away.

be untouchable

Emphasizes the protected and secure status of the right.

be inherent

Highlights the natural or intrinsic quality of the right.

be intrinsic

Stresses that the right is an essential part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "be inalienable" in a sentence?

You can use "be inalienable" to describe rights or properties that cannot be taken away or transferred. For example, "The right to free speech is often considered to "be inalienable", as it is fundamental to a democratic society."

What's a simple way to define "be inalienable"?

"Be inalienable" means to "be non-transferable" or impossible to surrender. It's generally used to describe core rights that should never be taken away.

Which is correct, "unalienable rights" or "inalienable rights"?

Both "unalienable rights" and "inalienable rights" are correct and have the same meaning. "Unalienable" is more common in older texts like the Declaration of Independence, but "inalienable" is also widely used.

What are some examples of things that are often considered to "be inalienable"?

Examples include the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These are rights that many believe should "be unassailable" and protected from infringement.