cannot be defied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be defied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is undeniable or cannot be challenged or resisted. Example: "The laws of nature cannot be defied, no matter how advanced our technology becomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Anything to let the politicians know that gravity cannot be defied forever.

The Economist

A good place to start is by making clear that its legitimate investigative authority cannot be defied, and any who choose to do so will pay a heavy price.

The New York Times

In any event, the laws of economics cannot be defied indefinitely.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

They seemed to be defying death on a daily basis.

The New York Times

It comes from the powerless, despairing realization that death cannot be conquered, defied, contemplated, or even approached, because it's not there; it's only a word, signifying nothing.

The New Yorker

Convention has been defied.

Independent

Conventions were defied and major novelties ­devised.

The New York Times - Books

She's defied the odds.

Los Angeles Times

"He's defied odds before".

Huffington Post

Statistical significance was defied as P < 0.05.

Annals of Surgical Oncology

In the present study, the previously mentioned drawbacks were defied.

European Journal of Epidemiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be defied" to emphasize the absolute certainty or inevitability of a situation or rule, especially when highlighting consequences for non-compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be defied" in casual conversation. It can sound overly dramatic or formal in informal settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "can't be ignored" or "must be followed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be defied" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a strong sense of necessity or impossibility. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it emphasizes the undeniable nature of a rule, law, or natural phenomenon.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be defied" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase that conveys a strong sense of inevitability or the impossibility of resistance. While considered relatively rare in overall usage, it finds application in news, media, and scientific contexts, as indicated by Ludwig. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "cannot be challenged" or "cannot be ignored" to maintain clarity and impact, while adjusting the formality to suit the specific writing context. It's essential to use it judiciously, especially avoiding it in casual settings where less emphatic phrasing would be more appropriate. Ludwig confirms its valid use while emphasizing the importance of context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be challenged

Emphasizes the inability to question or dispute something.

cannot be resisted

Focuses on the impossibility of opposing or fighting against something.

cannot be disobeyed

Highlights the necessity of compliance and the consequences of non-compliance.

cannot be ignored

Stresses the importance of acknowledging and addressing something.

is unavoidable

Indicates that something is certain to happen and cannot be prevented.

is inevitable

Similar to 'unavoidable', suggesting a future event is certain to occur.

is inescapable

Emphasizes the inability to escape or avoid a particular situation.

is unyielding

Highlights the firmness and inflexibility of something.

is unchangeable

Focuses on the impossibility of altering or modifying something.

is immutable

Similar to 'unchangeable', denoting something that is permanent and cannot be altered.

FAQs

What does "cannot be defied" mean?

The phrase "cannot be defied" means something is impossible to resist, challenge, or disobey. It indicates an absolute necessity to comply or acknowledge a certain reality.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be defied" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "cannot be defied" in formal writing, legal contexts, or when emphasizing the unchangeable nature of a law, rule, or principle. Use it to highlight serious consequences for non-compliance.

What are some alternatives to "cannot be defied"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be challenged", "cannot be ignored", or "is inevitable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "cannot be defied"?

Yes, "cannot be defied" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a modal verb ("cannot") combined with a passive verb construction ("be defied").