cannot be converted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be converted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that cannot be changed or transformed into another form or format. Example: "The file format is outdated and cannot be converted to the new system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But realizing that aficionados of the real thing cannot be converted, he is not trying.

The New York Times - Food

Furthermore, if thorium is used, it cannot be converted into weapons-grade uranium.

The New York Times

When protein C levels are low, the protein cannot be converted in sufficient quantities to its activated form, APC.

The New York Times

There's no charge to exchange convertible pesos to American dollars when leaving Cuba, but in the United States, pesos cannot be converted.

The New York Times

The mere potential for this kind of conversion, she added, will generally make the apartment worth more money than a straight one-bedroom that cannot be converted.

The New York Times

Thermal energy cannot be converted to useful work as easily as the energy of systems that are not in states of thermodynamic equilibrium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Heat does not flow spontaneously from a colder region to a hotter region, or, equivalently, heat at a given temperature cannot be converted entirely into work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If it is not currently occupied by black-throated finches it is unlikely that it provides quality habitat and it cannot be converted to suitable habitat in a reasonable time frame.

The Guardian

Homocysteine is an amino acid, an intermediate product that builds up when the amino acid methionine cannot be converted to cysteine because an enzyme is lacking or is present in inadequate amounts.

The New York Times - Science

Those plans, though, must be arranged at the outset of the medical expense; a zero-interest plan typically cannot be converted to the longer-term program if consumers find themselves unable to pay off the one-year loans.

The New York Times

If the current values cannot be converted, then the table modification will not be performed.

SQL Clearly Explained

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be converted", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is preventing the conversion. Providing the reason enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be converted" without specifying the target conversion. Being specific about what the subject cannot be converted to provides necessary context and prevents ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be converted" functions as a passive construction indicating the impossibility of transforming something into a different form or state. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from scientific processes to financial assets, consistently denoting a lack of transformability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be converted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating the impossibility of transformation or change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, it serves to define limitations and establish boundaries. Alternatives such as "is not convertible" or "cannot be transformed" offer similar meanings, each with subtle nuances. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the intended target of conversion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not convertible

Focuses on the inherent property of something not being able to undergo conversion.

cannot be transformed

Stresses the impossibility of changing the form or appearance of something.

is unchangeable

Highlights the lack of possibility for any alteration or modification.

cannot be altered

Highlights the inability to modify or adjust something.

cannot be modified

Focuses on the lack of possibility for making partial changes or adjustments.

is irreversible

Emphasizes that the process or state cannot be turned back or altered.

is immutable

Highlights the permanent and unalterable nature of something.

is not adaptable

Stresses the inability of something to be adjusted to fit new conditions.

cannot be reformed

Focuses on the impossibility of improving something's nature or structure.

remains as is

Emphasizes the persistence of the current state without any change.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be converted" to describe something that's impossible to transform into another form. For example: "This file format "cannot be converted" to a newer version".

What is a good alternative to "cannot be converted"?

Alternatives include "is not convertible", "is unchangeable", or "cannot be transformed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the impossibility of changing something from one state or form to another, often due to inherent limitations or restrictions.

Is there a subtle difference between "cannot be converted" and "cannot be transformed"?

While both phrases suggest an impossibility of change, "cannot be converted" often implies a change in format or structure, whereas "cannot be transformed" might refer to a more fundamental change in nature or essence.