cannot be eliminated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be eliminated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is essential or unavoidable in a particular context. Example: "In this equation, the variable x cannot be eliminated without affecting the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any religion that addresses human beings' existential questions and gives them identity cannot be eliminated.

Huffington Post

The winner cannot be eliminated.

The Washington Post

The Taliban cannot be eliminated.

The Washington Post

What cannot be eliminated is the danger.

The Guardian - Sport

And there is no proof that it cannot be eliminated.

The New York Times

Peer influence cannot be eliminated but it can be reduced.

The New York Times

Meaning persists as a possibility that cannot be eliminated.

The New Yorker

Pollution becomes a problem only when waste cannot be eliminated.

Britannica

However, in practice, explosion risk often cannot be eliminated completely.

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

Is Joe an ineluctable force that cannot be eliminated?

The New York Times

It is, however, an essential cost that cannot be eliminated by looking to an alternative supplier.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be eliminated", ensure that the context clearly indicates what efforts have been or could be made to attempt elimination. This adds weight to the assertion that it's impossible.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be eliminated" when "can be significantly reduced" or similar phrases are more accurate. Overstating inevitability can undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be eliminated" functions as a predicate adjective, expressing an inherent limitation or impossibility of removal. Ludwig shows its use across a broad range of contexts where complete eradication is unachievable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Unknown/unmatched sources

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be eliminated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the impossibility of removing or eradicating something completely. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely applicable. While it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overstatements, it remains a valuable tool for setting realistic expectations and framing discussions around limitations. Alternatives such as "cannot be removed" or "cannot be avoided" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context. Its frequent appearance in scientific, news, and business contexts underscores its utility across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be removed

Focuses on the impossibility of taking something away.

cannot be eradicated

Emphasizes a complete wiping out or destruction, suggesting a more forceful removal.

cannot be avoided

Highlights the inevitability of encountering or experiencing something.

cannot be prevented

Focuses on the inability to stop something from happening.

cannot be stopped

Highlights the impossibility of halting an action or process.

cannot be undone

Emphasizes the irreversibility of an action or situation.

cannot be reversed

Similar to "cannot be undone", but with a stronger emphasis on changing the direction or outcome.

cannot be suppressed

Highlights the inability to keep something under control or hidden.

cannot be circumvented

Focuses on the impossibility of finding a way around or avoiding something.

cannot be dismissed

Emphasizes the inability to disregard or ignore something.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be eliminated" to state that something is impossible to remove or get rid of. For example, "The risk of errors "cannot be eliminated" entirely, but it can be minimized."

What's the difference between "cannot be eliminated" and "cannot be reduced"?

"Cannot be eliminated" implies complete removal is impossible, while "cannot be reduced" suggests limitations in lessening something, but not necessarily complete prevention. Consider if "cannot be reduced" fits better to express that there is a limit on reducing something without fully removing it.

What can I say instead of "cannot be eliminated"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be removed", "cannot be eradicated", or "cannot be avoided" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "cannot be eliminated" or "cannot be avoided" when discussing risk?

The choice depends on the nature of the risk. If the risk is something you must face, "cannot be avoided" is fitting. If the goal is to remove the risk entirely but it's impossible, "cannot be eliminated" is more appropriate.