cannot be crossed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be crossed" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is impossible or forbidden to pass over or through. Here are some examples of how it can be used: 1. The river was swollen from the heavy rain and could not be crossed without danger. 2. The border between the two countries cannot be crossed without the proper documentation. 3. The teacher explained that certain lines in the poem cannot be crossed or changed without altering the meaning. 4. The rules clearly state that this boundary cannot be crossed, or else you will be disqualified. 5. The ethical line cannot be crossed, no matter how tempting the offer may be.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some lines just cannot be crossed.

The Guardian

But for McDonnell there are lines that cannot be crossed.

The Guardian

The unions say that line cannot be crossed.

The New York Times

This is a line that cannot be crossed.

The Guardian

Other union leaders have warned there are "red lines" in workers' rights that cannot be crossed.

The Guardian

This, for me at least, is an uncanny valley that cannot be crossed.

MIT Technology Review

Even so, there is a political line that cannot be crossed.

The Guardian

Red lines that cannot be crossed ReprintsBut Mr Ahmadinejad may have overreached himself.

The Economist

And yet, China's Communist Party still has lines that cannot be crossed.

The New York Times

Even in tough budget times, there are lines that cannot be crossed.

The New York Times

Moreover, although certain individual liberties are being tentatively encouraged these days, there are numerous red lines that cannot be crossed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be crossed" consider the context: Is it a physical boundary, an ethical line, or a limit in a negotiation? Choosing the right context ensures clear communication and avoids misinterpretations.

Common error

While "cannot be crossed" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "can't be done" or "not allowed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be crossed" functions as a passive construction, indicating something that is impossible or forbidden to pass. It's frequently used to denote limits, boundaries, or prohibitions, emphasizing their inviolable nature. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be crossed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that establishes a firm boundary or prohibition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates the impossibility or undesirability of surpassing a specific limit. Its usage spans various contexts, with a strong presence in News & Media and Science, indicating its versatility. While it can be slightly formal, it remains a powerful tool for setting clear expectations and delineating acceptable actions. When writing, it's important to consider simpler alternatives for more informal settings or to emphasize the severity of a restriction by using stronger terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a red line

Highlights something that is inviolable and not to be compromised, similar to a boundary that "cannot be crossed".

must not be violated

Emphasizes a prohibition or rule that should not be broken, similar to a boundary that "cannot be crossed".

is off-limits

Indicates that something is prohibited or restricted, conveying a similar sense of limitation.

is out of bounds

Suggests a boundary or limit that should not be exceeded, implying a defined area or scope.

is impermissible

Highlights the prohibited or unacceptable nature of something, focusing on the lack of permission.

is not allowed

States a clear restriction or prohibition, emphasizing the lack of authorization.

is forbidden

Directly expresses that something is prohibited or not allowed, highlighting the ban.

is strictly prohibited

Strengthens the prohibition, emphasizing the severity of the ban and consequences of violation.

is beyond the pale

Suggests that something is unacceptable or inappropriate, often in a social or ethical context.

is not an option

Indicates that something is not a viable choice or possibility, implying a constraint on available actions.

FAQs

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

The phrase "cannot be crossed" indicates a boundary, limit, or prohibition that should not be violated. For example: "The ethical line "cannot be crossed", no matter how tempting the offer may be."

What's the difference between "cannot be crossed" and "should not be crossed"?

"Cannot be crossed" implies a strict prohibition or impossibility, whereas "should not be crossed" suggests a recommendation against crossing, allowing for potential exceptions or consequences. The former is more absolute.

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

You can use alternatives like "must not be violated", "is off-limits", or "is a red line" depending on the context.

Is "cannot be crossed" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "cannot be crossed" leans towards a more formal register, often used in professional, news, or academic contexts. In informal settings, simpler expressions like "can't be done" or "not allowed" might be more appropriate.