cannot be destroyed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be destroyed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that something is indestructible or cannot be eliminated. Example: "The ancient artifact is said to possess magical properties and cannot be destroyed by any means."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They cannot be destroyed and nor can Cher.

Independent

Until these techniques are perfected, icebergs cannot be destroyed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I cannot be destroyed and I will not be destroyed.

Independent

Legend states that noodling boys cannot be destroyed.

The New Yorker

Legend states that boys noodling on guitars cannot be destroyed.

The New Yorker

Unlike organic contaminants, which can be degraded to harmless chemical species, heavy metals cannot be destroyed.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

A cotenant's contingent remainder cannot be destroyed by an act of the other cotenant.

Harvard University

[n11] The kinship tie may be attenuated, but it cannot be destroyed.

Cornell University

The reason why the lawyers were wary was that e-mail cannot be destroyed.

The Economist

By law it cannot be destroyed – but nature is doing just that.

Independent

It is primarily an agricultural economy which cannot be destroyed from the air.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs to provide more impact, when using "cannot be destroyed". For example, 'endure' or 'resist' may give better expression instead of this passive form.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be destroyed" in contexts where resilience or resistance would be more accurate. Overstating something's indestructibility can undermine your credibility if there's any possibility of damage or change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be destroyed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a particular subject is immune to destruction. Ludwig provides numerous examples, supporting its clear and direct use in conveying indestructibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be destroyed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey the idea that something is indestructible or immune to destruction. As Ludwig confirms, it appears commonly in diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Academia. When writing, it's crucial to consider the strength of this statement and opt for more nuanced alternatives like "is resistant to damage" if the subject is merely durable or resilient. Ultimately, using "cannot be destroyed" effectively depends on context and the specific message you aim to deliver.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is indestructible

Focuses on the inherent quality of being impossible to destroy.

cannot be eliminated

Emphasizes the inability to remove or get rid of something.

cannot be eradicated

Highlights the impossibility of completely wiping something out.

is impervious to destruction

Stresses resistance and the inability to be harmed or ruined.

remains intact

Focuses on the state of staying complete and undamaged.

is immune to obliteration

Highlights the property of being protected against complete destruction.

is beyond annihilation

Emphasizes that something is impossible to completely destroy.

cannot be undone

Focuses on the irreversibility of a situation or action.

is permanently ingrained

Stresses the deep-rooted nature of something, making it hard to change.

is resistant to damage

Highlights the ability to withstand harm or destruction.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be destroyed" to describe something that is inherently resilient or protected from forces that would typically cause damage. For example, "The spirit of innovation "cannot be destroyed" by censorship".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be destroyed"?

Alternatives include "is indestructible", "cannot be eliminated", or "is impervious to destruction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when describing something that possesses exceptional durability or is protected by inherent properties. It's also suitable in contexts where the concept's endurance is central to the message.

Is "cannot be destroyed" too strong of a statement in some cases?

Yes, using "cannot be destroyed" might be an overstatement if the subject is merely resistant or highly durable, but not truly indestructible. Consider using alternatives like "is resistant to damage" or "is highly durable" for a more accurate representation.