cannot be acquired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be acquired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is unattainable or cannot be obtained. Example: "Certain skills cannot be acquired overnight; they require time and practice to develop."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will torturing prisoners elicit information that cannot be acquired by other means?

The Guardian - Opinion

Their talents cannot be acquired through a course of study: they are, to a large extent, innate.

The Guardian - Opinion

The aḥwāl are graces of God that cannot be acquired or retained through an individual's own efforts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under the UN Charter, sovereign title to territory cannot be acquired purely and simply by the use of force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One reason the performance of tracking stocks tends to lag behind others may be that these shares cannot be acquired if another company buys the operations they reflect.

The New York Times

These characteristics are typically observed in experiments, though they cannot be acquired in simulations with a given tip speed ratio (TSR).

International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering

It is the kind of technical education, they say, that cannot be acquired by casual use for a few hours at night and on the weekends.

The New York Times

Intuition, in philosophy, the power of obtaining knowledge that cannot be acquired either by inference or observation, by reason or experience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Homes cannot be acquired from relatives, and taxpayers must submit a settlement statement as proof of purchase, though officials acknowledge that could be a problem for those who file tax returns electronically.

The New York Times

We would get closer to our happiness were these things acquired; and a reality sense would be something to do with acknowledging which of these things cannot be acquired.

The Guardian - Books

Under the law of Arizona, the perfected vested right to appropriate water flowing within the state cannot be acquired without the performance of physical acts through which the water is and will in fact be diverted to beneficial use.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be acquired" to clearly state that something is impossible to obtain through any means. It's a strong and definitive statement, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be acquired" when "difficult to acquire" is more accurate. Overusing strong negatives can weaken your argument. Instead, consider more nuanced phrasings if the situation allows for some possibility, however slim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be acquired" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is unable to be obtained or attained through any means. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is a strong assertion of impossibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be acquired" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express impossibility of attainment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It is suitable for formal and neutral contexts like science, news, and encyclopedias, and less frequent in informal settings. To ensure effective communication, use this phrase when emphasizing a genuine impossibility and avoid overstating when something is merely difficult. Related alternatives include "cannot be obtained" and "cannot be gained".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be obtained

Similar in meaning, but more general and less forceful than the original phrase.

cannot be procured

Suggests a more formal or deliberate effort to obtain something that is unsuccessful.

cannot be gained

Focuses on the effort required to achieve or earn something, which is ultimately impossible.

cannot be secured

Implies a lack of safety or guarantee in obtaining something.

cannot be attained

Suggests a high level of difficulty or ambition in achieving something.

cannot be realized

Focuses on the impossibility of making something a reality or achieving a desired outcome.

cannot be accessed

Highlights the lack of access or availability to something.

cannot be developed

Emphasizes the inability to improve or expand on something.

lies beyond reach

More metaphorical, suggesting something is fundamentally out of reach.

is out of the question

Indicates something is not a viable option or possibility.

FAQs

What does "cannot be acquired" mean?

The phrase "cannot be acquired" means that something is impossible to obtain or get, regardless of effort or means.

How can I use "cannot be acquired" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be acquired" to state that a skill, object, or piece of knowledge is unattainable. For example, "That type of experience "cannot be acquired" in a classroom."

What are some synonyms for "cannot be acquired"?

Some alternatives to "cannot be acquired" include "cannot be obtained", "cannot be gained", or "cannot be procured".

Is it correct to say "can't be acquired"?

Yes, "can't be acquired" is a contraction of "cannot be acquired" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. "Cannot be acquired" is more formal and appropriate for academic or professional writing.