cannot be contravened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be contravened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that something is not allowed to be violated or disregarded. Example: "The terms of the contract are binding and cannot be contravened under any circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But a law established for a public reason cannot be contravened by a private agreement".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Spinoza argues that nature has a fixed and eternal order that cannot be contravened.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The right of individuals to privacy must not be contravened at the drop of a hat.

EU Parlament

45 It should be noted that PAC is an advisory, rather than statutory body; however, it is unlikely that its advice would be contravened.

BMJ Open

Citizens Advice said it is "gathering evidence" of other lenders who are also found to be contravening OFT guidance.

The Guardian - Money

In it, every accepted wisdom of the medium is contravened.

The New York Times - Arts

- Several traffic bylaws clearly being contravened here, as well as the illegal destruction of a wall.

Independent

Hence, the appellant's rights had not been contravened.

Wikipedia

Yes, there is progress to the revelation, and one scripture can cast light on another, but one scripture cannot be used to contravene another.

Huffington Post

He said the government was contravening Mrs Carson's human rights and was guilty of discrimination.

The Guardian

It was always done this way, and anyone trying to effect a change is contravening the divine scheme.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be contravened" in formal writing, especially when discussing laws, regulations, or agreements to emphasize the binding nature and the prohibition of violations.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be contravened" in casual conversations or informal writing; it sounds overly formal and may come across as pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "cannot be broken" or "cannot be ignored".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be contravened" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is not allowed to be violated or disregarded. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in formal and legal contexts, emphasizing the binding nature of rules and agreements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be contravened" is a formal expression used to indicate that something must not be violated or disregarded. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and typically appears in legal, official, and academic contexts. While relatively rare in general usage, it serves to emphasize the binding nature of rules and agreements. Related phrases include "cannot be violated" and "cannot be infringed", offering similar ways to express inviolability. When writing, it's crucial to reserve "cannot be contravened" for formal settings to avoid sounding pretentious, opting for simpler alternatives in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be violated

Focuses on the act of breaking or infringing upon something.

cannot be infringed

Emphasizes the protection against intrusion or violation of rights or agreements.

cannot be breached

Highlights the failure to uphold an agreement or obligation.

cannot be disregarded

Underscores the importance of paying attention to or respecting something.

cannot be defied

Stresses the inability to resist or disobey a rule or authority.

must be upheld

Shifts the focus to the necessity of maintaining or supporting something.

must be respected

Highlights the need for consideration and reverence.

must be adhered to

Emphasizes the act of following or conforming to a rule or standard.

is not permissible

Indicates that something is not allowed or authorized.

is strictly prohibited

Highlights the firm and absolute ban on something.

FAQs

How to use "cannot be contravened" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be contravened" to emphasize that a rule, law, or agreement is absolutely binding and must not be violated. For example: "The regulations are clear and "cannot be contravened" under any circumstances."

What can I say instead of "cannot be contravened"?

Alternatives include "cannot be violated", "cannot be infringed", or "cannot be breached". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "cannot be contravened" formal?

Yes, "cannot be contravened" is considered formal. It is most appropriate for legal, official, or academic writing where precision and a serious tone are required. Simpler alternatives are better suited for informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be contravened"?

It is appropriate to use "cannot be contravened" when you want to stress the absolute necessity of adhering to a rule, law, or agreement, and when writing in a formal or official context is required. Consider using alternatives if the audience is general or the context is informal.