cannot be enlarged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be enlarged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing limitations regarding the size or capacity of an object, image, or concept that cannot be increased. Example: "The image you provided cannot be enlarged without losing quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

DST localizes the squeeze-and-stretch process so that the effects of the change cannot be enlarged to the extent that is perceivable to human beings.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

The heating region cannot be enlarged by continuing saturated steam stimulation any more.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

The tunnel was built in the 1970's and because some sections were prefabricated, it cannot be enlarged, she said.

The New York Times

It also means the pages on this site cannot be enlarged or rendered to speech, and they are not easily accessible from the keyboard.

The New York Times

The sentence cannot be enlarged by this Court's judgment, and reversal of the judgment below cannot operate to undo what has been done or restore to petitioner the penalty of the term of imprisonment which he has served.

Cornell University

We also prove that our Fatou disks cannot be enlarged to Fatou components.

Complex Analysis and its Synergies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Mr. Rumsfeld likes to say that if a problem cannot be solved, it should be enlarged.

The New York Times

With the increase of the H more than 500 nm, the UCE of conformal NCs will decrease again, because the parasitic loss will be enlarged greatly, which cannot be compensated by the corresponding enhanced light trapping.

Nanoscale Research Letters

If the requirements of the side-weight inference cannot meet, the quasi-anonymous set would be enlarged by adding a road.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Business freedom should be enlarged.

The Guardian - Opinion

The "stop here" signs could be enlarged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cannot be enlarged", ensure the context clearly indicates what is subject to this limitation. For example, specify "the image cannot be enlarged" or "the tunnel cannot be enlarged" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be enlarged" when a more specific term would be appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "the budget cannot be enlarged", consider if "the budget cannot be increased" or "the budget cannot be expanded" more accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be enlarged" functions as a passive construction expressing a limitation. It indicates that something is incapable of being increased in size or scope. Ludwig examples show this usage across various contexts, reinforcing its role in expressing constraints.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be enlarged" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a limitation in the size or scope of something. Ludwig examples highlight its presence in science, news, and general writing, with a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase effectively communicates a constraint, and while alternatives like "cannot be expanded" or "cannot be increased" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuances of the context. Be mindful of clarity and precision when employing this phrase to ensure the intended meaning is accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be expanded

Replaces "enlarged" with "expanded", emphasizing a limit in overall reach or coverage rather than physical size.

cannot be increased

Substitutes "enlarged" with "increased", which is a more general term for growth or augmentation.

cannot be made larger

Uses a more direct and simpler phrase with "made larger", conveying the same limitation in size.

cannot be extended

Uses "extended" instead of "enlarged", suggesting a restriction in prolonging or stretching something.

cannot be broadened

Employs "broadened", focusing on a limit in widening scope or perspective.

cannot be scaled up

Replaces "enlarged" with "scaled up", which refers specifically to increasing the size or production capacity of something.

cannot be magnified

Uses "magnified", highlighting the inability to increase the apparent size or importance of something.

cannot be augmented

Replaces "enlarged" with "augmented", indicating a limitation in adding to or enhancing something.

cannot be amplified

Substitutes "enlarged" with "amplified", suggesting a limit in increasing the intensity or impact of something.

cannot be developed further

Shifts the focus to the inability to advance or improve something, rather than simply increasing its size.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be enlarged" to indicate a restriction on increasing the size or extent of something. For instance, "Due to the limitations of the existing infrastructure, the building "cannot be enlarged"".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be enlarged"?

Alternatives include "cannot be expanded", "cannot be increased", or "cannot be extended", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cannot be enlarged" or "cannot be expanded"?

The choice between "cannot be enlarged" and "cannot be expanded" depends on the context. "Enlarged" often refers to physical size, while "expanded" can also refer to scope or capacity. For example, you might say "the image cannot be enlarged" but "the project scope cannot be expanded".

What does it mean when something "cannot be enlarged"?

It means there is a restriction or limitation preventing it from increasing in size, scope, or extent. This could be due to physical constraints, resource limitations, or other factors.