cannot be charged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be charged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is not liable for a fee or is exempt from being charged. Example: "The service provided to veterans cannot be charged to their accounts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Williams's first novel cannot be charged with imitative form.

The New Yorker

Airfare without the required documentation cannot be charged to a federally sponsored award.

Yale University

Defendant therefore cannot be charged with knowledge or willful blindness based on that information.

Harvard University

Pupils cannot be charged more than the actual cost of photocopying.

Columbia University

If Mr. Zimmerman cannot be charged under the law, then the law needs to be changed.

The New York Times

An attractive garden pleases passers-by, but they cannot be charged a portion of its cost.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Borrowers cannot be charged any modification fees, the Treasury Department said.

The New York Times

As his father, Siraj Ibn Wahhaj cannot be charged with kidnapping.

The New York Times

In practice, a Chevrolet, Nissan or Volkswagen cannot be charged at a Tesla charger.

The New York Times

Under the new rule, consumers cannot be charged for embalming if they didn't authorize it.

The Washington Post

Under New York State law, a child under age 7 cannot be charged with a crime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be charged" in legal or financial contexts, clearly specify the reason for the exemption to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This item cannot be charged", specify "This item cannot be charged due to the promotional offer."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be charged" without defining the specific charges it refers to. Vague statements can lead to misinterpretations; instead, be precise. For example, instead of "Customers cannot be charged", specify "Customers "cannot be charged" for delivery."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be charged" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is not able to have a charge applied to it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, as exemplified by various instances across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

29%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be charged" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for expressing exemptions and prohibitions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility is evident in its application across news, academic, and scientific domains. While maintaining a neutral to formal register, "cannot be charged" clearly conveys that a particular fee, penalty, or accusation is not applicable in a given scenario. When using this phrase, precision is key to avoiding ambiguity and ensuring accurate communication, particularly in legal and financial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not billable

Focuses specifically on the inability to bill for a service or product.

is not subject to a fee

Emphasizes the exemption from a specific fee or charge.

is exempt from charges

Highlights the exemption status regarding any kind of charges.

is not liable for payment

Focuses on the absence of financial responsibility.

is not permissible to bill

Highlights the lack of permission to issue a bill.

cannot incur costs

Emphasizes the prevention of incurring additional expenses.

is not allowed to invoice

Focuses on the lack of authorization to send an invoice.

is not permitted to debit

Highlights the absence of permission to deduct funds.

is ineligible for fees

Specifically points out the ineligibility regarding fees.

is outside the scope of charges

Indicates that something falls outside the area where charges apply.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be charged" to indicate that a fee or penalty is not applicable. For example, "Borrowers "cannot be charged" any modification fees" or "Children under 14 "cannot be charged" with a crime without proof of knowledge of wrongdoing."

What does it mean when something "cannot be charged"?

It means that a fee, penalty, or accusation is not applicable or permissible. It implies an exemption or legal constraint preventing the imposition of such charge.

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be charged"?

Alternatives include "is not billable", "is exempt from charges", "is not subject to a fee", or "is not liable for payment". The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of charge being discussed.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be charged"?

The phrase is most appropriate in legal, financial, or policy contexts when clarifying exemptions from fees, penalties, or accusations. For instance, "Consumers "cannot be charged" for an employment screening report" or "Airfare without documentation "cannot be charged" to a federally sponsored award".