cannot be displaced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be displaced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is fixed, permanent, or unable to be moved from its position. Example: "The foundation of the building is so strong that it cannot be displaced by natural forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Hydration waters of ions with ΔHhyd > 1800 kJ/mol cannot be displaced by sulfonate oxygens.

Polymer

A certain amount of residual formation water cannot be displaced and is always present.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bank now asks a rehearing of the case on this point, contending that, under the decisions of the New York courts, the priority of its mortgage cannot be displaced.

Cornell University

With more stations converting to news-talk formats — perhaps with the hope that live talk cannot be displaced by an iPod the way music can be — the middle tier is where most of the movement is.

The New York Times

The second difficulty is that if the basis for anonymity is the unshakable effect of the allegation, which cannot be displaced by an acquittal, why limit anonymity to rape defendants?

The Guardian - Opinion

At least it cannot be displaced term-by-term.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

As the great criminologist Norval Morris once explained, in the court system "discretion [is] like matter... it cannot be destroyed, it can only be displaced". The displacement of discretionary power onto prosecutors creates significant problems.

HuffPost

Eventually, we might even hope, unexamined prejudice about what women can or cannot achieve will finally be displaced by something closer to universally-acknowledged pride.

The New Yorker

As the great criminologist Norval Morris once explained, in the court system "discretion [is] like matter... it cannot be destroyed, it can only be displaced".

Huffington Post

Eventually jobs will be displaced.

TechCrunch

To not be displaced.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be displaced" to emphasize the permanence or irreplaceability of something. It conveys a strong sense of stability and resistance to change.

Common error

While "cannot be displaced" is grammatically sound, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider whether an active construction would be more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be displaced" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the impossibility of something being moved, replaced, or undermined. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. Examples from the provided data showcase its usage in scientific, legal, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be displaced" is a grammatically correct and commonly used modal verb phrase that conveys a strong sense of stability, permanence, or irreplaceability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It finds application across diverse domains such as science, news, and encyclopedias, signaling its broad applicability. When writing, keep in mind that its effectiveness hinges on the intended emphasis: highlighting something's enduring nature or its resistance to change. While similar phrases like "cannot be moved" or "cannot be replaced" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Though generally neutral, its use often lends a degree of formality to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be moved

Focuses on the physical impossibility of movement.

cannot be replaced

Emphasizes the uniqueness or irreplaceability of something.

cannot be substituted

Highlights the lack of an equivalent alternative.

cannot be shifted

Similar to "cannot be moved", but suggests a slight adjustment or repositioning.

cannot be undermined

Focuses on preventing something from being weakened or damaged.

cannot be dislodged

Suggests a firmly fixed position or belief.

cannot be overturned

Indicates the stability and permanence of a decision or ruling.

cannot be uprooted

Implies a deep-seated connection or origin.

cannot be dethroned

Suggests an unshakeable position of power or authority.

cannot be invalidated

Focuses on maintaining the validity or legitimacy of something.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be displaced" to describe something that is fixed, permanent, or resistant to change. For example: "The historical significance of this monument "cannot be displaced".".

What's a formal alternative to "cannot be displaced"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "irremovable", "irreplaceable", or "unsubstitutable". For instance, you might say, "The evidence is "unsubstitutable"."

Which is more appropriate, "cannot be displaced" or "cannot be moved"?

"Cannot be moved" is a more literal and physical description, while "cannot be displaced" suggests a broader sense of irreplaceability or permanence. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

How does "cannot be displaced" differ from "cannot be replaced"?

"Cannot be replaced" emphasizes the uniqueness of something, while "cannot be displaced" focuses more on its stable and unwavering position or influence. For example, you might say a historical landmark's importance "cannot be displaced", as opposed to saying the landmark "cannot be replaced".