cannot be demolished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be demolished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is unable to be destroyed or taken down, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The historical building is so well-constructed that it cannot be demolished without causing significant damage to the surrounding area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Some things cannot be demolished.

The New York Times

It cannot be demolished, yet incorporating it in a development raises the cost.

The Economist

By law, landmarks cannot be demolished, nor can their facades be altered, without the commission's approval.

The New York Times

NGOs say that any slum built before 1991 has been declared a legal structure and cannot be demolished.

The Guardian

The reason given is that the extra money would allow the owners of landmarks, which cannot be demolished, to pay for the preservation of the aging structures.

The New York Times

Since redundant churches are prominent buildings, and most cannot be demolished, they offer the perfect venue for the new library as cultural hub.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He signed a short-term lease for a space in SoHo whose landlord cannot promise that the building, likely to be demolished, will be around past July.

The New York Times - Food

Officials now concede that the stations cannot simply be renovated; they must, in most cases, be demolished, expanded and rebuilt.

The New York Times

Tafel house to be demolished?

Columbia University

The house should be demolished.

Independent

There, it will be demolished.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal protections for historical sites, use "cannot be demolished" to highlight the preservation status.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be demolished" loosely to describe situations where demolition is simply difficult or undesirable, rather than genuinely impossible or legally prohibited. Using it improperly dilutes the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be demolished" functions as a predicate in a sentence, specifically expressing the inability or prohibition of something to be destroyed. This is confirmed by Ludwig's analysis, which indicates its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be demolished" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey the impossibility or prohibition of destroying something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. While not overly frequent, it commonly appears in news and academic contexts to emphasize the protected or permanent status of a subject. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the actual impossibility or legal restriction, and consider alternatives like "cannot be torn down" or "is protected from demolition" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be torn down

Replaces "demolished" with "torn down", maintaining the core meaning of destruction but using a different verb.

cannot be razed

Uses "razed", a more formal synonym for demolished, indicating complete destruction.

is protected from demolition

Shifts the focus to the protective measures in place, rather than the inability to demolish.

is immune to demolition

Emphasizes the invulnerability of the structure to demolition.

demolition is prohibited

States explicitly that demolition is not allowed, focusing on the prohibition.

demolition is not permitted

Similar to prohibited, this emphasizes a lack of permission for demolition.

is structurally sound and cannot be demolished

Adds the reason why the subject cannot be demolished, because it's structurally sound.

must not be demolished

Expresses a strong prohibition against demolition, emphasizing a moral or ethical obligation.

is impossible to demolish

Highlights the impracticality or infeasibility of demolishing the structure.

is not subject to demolition

Indicates that the structure is exempt from demolition due to certain regulations or conditions.

FAQs

What does "cannot be demolished" mean?

The phrase "cannot be demolished" means that something is impossible or prohibited from being destroyed or taken down, often due to legal protections, structural integrity, or other significant restrictions.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be demolished"?

It's appropriate when discussing historical landmarks, legally protected buildings, or situations where demolition is genuinely impossible due to physical or regulatory constraints. Using it accurately ensures the gravity of the situation is conveyed.

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

You can use alternatives like "cannot be torn down", "is protected from demolition", or "demolition is prohibited" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "cannot be demolished" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "cannot be demolished" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase. Its use depends on the context, but it is suitable for legal, academic, and news-related discussions. For informal contexts, consider using a more colloquial alternative.