cannot be divided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be divided" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that something is indivisible or cannot be separated into parts. Example: "In mathematics, a prime number is a number that cannot be divided by any other number except for itself and one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We cannot be divided.

The Guardian

I also understand how liberty cannot be divided.

The Guardian - Books

Poor countries argue that the two issues cannot be divided.

The New York Times

"These activities cannot be divided among groups peacefully for long.

The Guardian

The human heart cannot be divided in this manner...

The New Yorker

"Jerusalem is one and cannot be divided," Rabbi Lau said.

The New York Times

"Keats, of all poets, cannot be divided between the artist and the man," Plumly writes.

The New Yorker

This amount of time cannot be divided among assignments; it applies to one assignment only.

Stanford University

It cannot be divided without impairing the obligations of the contract in favor of those creditors.

Cornell University

Art and life cannot be divided; they flow together in an unending river of chance and desire.

The Guardian

All tutorials are half courses (4 credits) that meet throughout the year and cannot be divided with credit.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be divided", ensure the context clearly indicates what entity or concept is indivisible and why. This clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be divided" with abstract concepts where the notion of division is metaphorical or unclear. Instead, opt for phrases that better convey the intended meaning, such as "cannot be separated" or "is indivisible."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be divided" functions as a passive construction expressing impossibility. Grammatically, it indicates that the subject is incapable of being separated into parts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be divided" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote indivisibility or inseparability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While generally neutral to formal, its precise usage should be tailored to the specific context, avoiding misuse with abstract concepts. For more informal settings, consider "can't be divided", and explore related alternatives like "is indivisible" or "cannot be separated" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is indivisible

This alternative uses a single adjective to convey the impossibility of division, focusing on the inherent property of the subject.

cannot be separated

This alternative highlights the inability to split or detach something, emphasizing the act of separation.

cannot be partitioned

This emphasizes the inability to split something into distinct sections.

is unapportionable

This alternative stresses the inability to allocate or distribute something proportionally.

remains intact

This phrase focuses on the quality of remaining whole and untouched, emphasizing preservation.

cannot be cleaved

This alternative emphasizes splitting along a natural line or plane, often used in scientific contexts.

cannot be bisected

This focuses on splitting into two equal parts, emphasizing symmetry and precision.

is a unity

This phrase emphasizes oneness and cohesion, highlighting the integrated nature of the subject.

forms a whole

This emphasizes the complete and unbroken nature of something, highlighting its integrity.

is inextricable

This highlights the impossibility of disentangling or freeing something from a connected state.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be divided" to describe something that is indivisible or inseparable. For example, "Citizens' sovereignty "cannot be divided" or shared with another kind of sovereignty."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be divided"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is indivisible", "cannot be separated", or "remains intact", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "can't be divided" instead of "cannot be divided"?

Yes, "can't be divided" is a contraction of "cannot be divided" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. "Cannot be divided" is more formal.

What's the difference between "cannot be divided" and "cannot be split"?

"Cannot be divided" implies a general indivisibility, while "cannot be split" suggests a physical separation is impossible. The best choice depends on whether you are talking about abstract concepts or tangible objects.