Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
cannot be dispensed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The part of the sentence "cannot be dispensed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is not possible to give up or forgo. For example: "This responsibility cannot be dispensed, so I must carry it out."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(20)
is indispensable
must be maintained
is essential
is required
is unavoidable
cannot be omitted
is irreplaceable
is obligatory
is mandatory
cannot be ceased
cannot be distributed
cannot be supplied
cannot be administered
cannot be implemented
cannot be disseminated
cannot be prescribed
cannot be discarded
cannot be discontinued
cannot be suspended
cannot be erased
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
10 human-written examples
In order to obtain suitable adhesion, substrate pretreatment is a substantial part of a vapour-deposited coating that generally cannot be dispensed with.
"Theoretical notions of humanity and religion," he flatly declared, "cannot shake the commercial fact that their labor is of great value and cannot be dispensed with".
News & Media
The State Department will also employ thousands of private security contractors to assume many of the functions that had been performed by the military and cannot be dispensed with given the dangerous conditions.
News & Media
But on a website called Unsnobbycoffee.com it does assure customers that they will not need to learn a "second language" to order its drinks—an obvious reference to Starbucks' arcane terminology.Naming names can also get companies into trouble of a sort that cannot be dispensed with in a pizza oven.
News & Media
It has long been understood that "[c]ertain implied powers must necessarily result to our Courts of justice from the nature of their institution," powers "which cannot be dispensed with in a Court, because they are necessary to the exercise of all others". United States v. Hudson, 7 Cranch 32, 34 (1812); see also Roadway Express, Inc. v. Piper, 447 U.S. 752, 764 (1980) (citing Hudson).
Academia
(The lower semicontinuity of (K_{2}) cannot be dispensed).
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
But Star Wars has been around a lot longer than, say, Iron Man, and there are expectations surrounding the saga that cannot simply be dispensed with because the next director in line fancies shaking up the series' foundations.
News & Media
Most will be dispensed with.
News & Media
American aid could be dispensed with.
News & Media
Ideally, it would be dispensed in Latin.
News & Media
The first reading of the legislation shall be dispensed with.
Academia
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "cannot be dispensed" when emphasizing the absolute necessity of something, particularly in formal or technical contexts where precision is important.
Common error
Avoid using "cannot be dispensed" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler alternatives like "essential" or "necessary" are often more appropriate and natural.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "cannot be dispensed" functions as part of a passive construction, indicating that something is indispensable or absolutely necessary. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
30%
Academia
30%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "cannot be dispensed" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to emphasize that something is absolutely essential and indispensable. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is valid in written English. While the phrase appears less frequently in everyday language, it is common in scientific, academic, and formal contexts. When writing, it’s important to consider simpler alternatives like "is essential" or "is required" for broader appeal. Keep in mind, that the use of this phrase is useful to add precision and weight to your writing and its formality makes it well-suited for official and technical documentation.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is indispensable
Replaces the passive voice with a direct statement of necessity.
is essential
Emphasizes the critical importance of something.
is unavoidable
Highlights the lack of alternatives or escape.
cannot be omitted
Highlights the need for inclusion or presence.
is irreplaceable
Focuses on the uniqueness and value of something.
cannot be skipped
Suggests that something must be done in sequence or not overlooked.
is obligatory
Stresses a legal or moral requirement.
is mandatory
Similar to obligatory, emphasizing a firm requirement.
is required
States that something is a necessary condition.
must be maintained
Focuses on the continuation of something's existence or quality.
FAQs
How can I use "cannot be dispensed" in a sentence?
Use "cannot be dispensed" to emphasize that something is absolutely essential and cannot be omitted or forgone. For example, "In this critical situation, caution "is indispensable" and resources "must be maintained"."
What can I say instead of "cannot be dispensed"?
You can use alternatives like "is essential", "is required", or ""is indispensable"" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "cannot be dispensed" or "can not be dispensed"?
"Cannot be dispensed" is generally preferred as one word, although "can not be dispensed" is technically understandable. Using "cannot" emphasizes the unitary nature of the negation.
Is "cannot be dispensed with" the same as "cannot be dispensed"?
While closely related, "cannot be dispensed with" emphasizes the act of getting rid of something, whereas "cannot be dispensed" focuses on its inherent necessity. The former implies a process of removal, while the latter speaks to intrinsic value.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested