cannot be disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be disturbed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something should not be interrupted or interfered with. Example: "During the meditation session, participants are asked to remain quiet and ensure that they cannot be disturbed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"They cannot be disturbed," Syrbe says.

The Guardian

Once covered with fresh earth or sediment, the land cannot be disturbed without opening a Pandora's box of malodorous pollutants.

The New York Times

A secretary answers, apologizes, and explains that Monsieur cannot be disturbed, because he has just started a new book.

The New Yorker

Cristobal Conde of SunGard, an IT firm, preserves "thinking time" in his schedule when he cannot be disturbed.

The Economist

The advertising/editorial ratio, having been set at 50%, cannot be disturbed either, despite there being more than enough willing advertisers.

The Guardian

One element cannot be disturbed without affecting the others; all elements and aspects of the total system, and the interactions among them, must be considered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Objecting to the second of Strawson's anti-theory contentions, some have argued that incompatibilist intuitions are embedded in the reactive attitudes themselves so that these attitudes cannot persist unless some justification can be given of them, or more weakly, that they cannot but be disturbed if something like determinism is true.

SEP

We cannot allow the rivers to be disturbed and are obliged to see that no outsiders, their forces and might will destroy or disturb the natural flow of the rivers of life" (quoted in Islam 2013: 165).

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

Our results provide evidence that trafficking of other proteins, organelles, or vesicles in the cell may also be disturbed, although this cannot be true for all proteins as LRP localization was unchanged in the H4-APP cells.

Plosone

Prepare to be disturbed.

BBC

They should be disturbed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be disturbed" in professional settings, ensure the context clearly defines the period or conditions under which the person or item should not be interrupted. For instance: "During the exam, students' desks cannot be disturbed."

Common error

Avoid vague or overly broad applications of "cannot be disturbed" that lack specific context. Saying "the office cannot be disturbed" without specifying when or why creates confusion. Instead, specify the conditions: "the office cannot be disturbed after 6 PM due to system maintenance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be disturbed" functions as a passive construction, indicating a state or condition where interference or interruption is prohibited. As Ludwig indicates, it expresses that an entity (person, object, or process) should not be interfered with.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be disturbed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something or someone should not be interrupted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts but frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic domains. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "must not be interrupted" or "should not be bothered" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. By understanding its proper usage and common pitfalls, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning. Ludwig's examples offer further clarity on how this phrase is employed in real-world scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not be interrupted

Emphasizes the requirement to avoid interruption.

should not be bothered

Suggests that causing any inconvenience should be avoided.

is not to be interfered with

Formally states that interference is prohibited.

must remain undisturbed

Highlights the necessity of maintaining a state of peace or tranquility.

is off-limits

Indicates the subject is inaccessible or not to be approached.

is not available

States a temporary unavailability for interaction.

is not to be touched

Directly forbids physical contact or tampering.

leave undisturbed

Requests that the subject is not to be altered or disrupted.

do not interrupt

A direct request to avoid interruption.

keep away

Advises to maintain distance and avoid any involvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be disturbed" to indicate that something or someone should not be interrupted or interfered with. For example, "Ospreys are a protected species and "cannot be disturbed" while nesting."

What's a more formal way to say "cannot be disturbed"?

A more formal way to express "cannot be disturbed" is "is not to be interfered with". This conveys a similar meaning but is often used in more official or serious contexts.

What can I say instead of "cannot be disturbed" in a casual setting?

In a casual context, you can use alternatives such as "should not be bothered" or "do not interrupt". These phrases are less formal and more approachable.

Is it better to use "cannot be disturbed" or "must not be disturbed"?

Both "cannot be disturbed" and "must not be disturbed" are correct, but "must not be disturbed" carries a stronger emphasis on the prohibition of disturbance. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.