cannot be erased

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be erased" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is permanent or cannot be removed or deleted. Example: "The memories of that day cannot be erased from my mind, no matter how hard I try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That cannot be erased".

The New York Times

Unfortunately, his record cannot be erased.

The New York Times - Sports

The legitimacy of those victories cannot be erased.

The New York Times - Sports

He left a legacy in science that cannot be erased.

The New York Times

So these stories are a part of a record that cannot be erased.

The New York Times

"The perception that Steve's success got me published cannot be erased for some people," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

The cheerful waving soldiers remain, but the truth of war cannot be erased.

The New Yorker

Mr. Lee's achievements cannot be erased and are acknowledged by most Taiwanese.

The New York Times

However these basic facts are spun and manipulated, their starkly different outlines cannot be erased.

The New York Times

The effects of years of deficit spending, he said, cannot be erased quickly.

The New York Times

"Our traditions cannot be erased," festival director Manny Ansar said recently.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be erased" to convey a sense of permanence or the inability to undo something, especially when referring to memories, historical events, or lasting impacts.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be erased" in situations where a less dramatic or more common phrase would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The stain on the shirt cannot be erased", consider "The stain on the shirt won't come out".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be erased" functions as a predicate within a sentence, often modifying a noun to indicate that something is permanent and unchangeable. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be erased" is a powerful expression used to convey the idea that something is permanent and irreversible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Science. The phrase emphasizes the lasting impact or indelible nature of events, memories, or concepts. Alternatives like "cannot be undone" or "is irreversible" can be used depending on the specific context. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in casual situations where simpler language would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be undone

Focuses on the inability to reverse an action or its consequences.

cannot be reversed

Highlights the impossibility of changing the direction or outcome of something.

is irreversible

Emphasizes the permanent nature of a change or effect.

is indelible

Stresses the lasting and unremovable quality of a mark or impression.

cannot be forgotten

Highlights the inability to remove something from memory.

cannot be taken back

Emphasizes the finality of a statement or action.

cannot be retracted

Focuses on the inability to withdraw or disavow something said or written.

is permanent

Simply states that something is not temporary and will last indefinitely.

remains forever

Emphasizes the enduring presence of something.

is set in stone

Suggests something is unchangeable and firmly established.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be erased" to describe something that is permanent and impossible to remove or undo. For instance, "The impact of her speech /s/cannot+be+erased resonated for years to come".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be erased"?

Alternatives include "cannot be undone", "is irreversible", or "is indelible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "cannot be erased" or "cannot be deleted"?

"Cannot be erased" often implies a more profound or lasting impact than "cannot be deleted". While "cannot be deleted" refers to removing digital or easily removable content, "cannot be erased" is typically used for memories, historical impacts, or deeply ingrained concepts.

What's the difference between "cannot be erased" and "cannot be forgotten"?

"Cannot be erased" implies an impossibility of removing the existence or impact of something, while "cannot be forgotten" focuses specifically on memory and recollection. A historical event, for example, /s/cannot+be+erased because it happened, but it also /s/cannot+be+forgotten if its memory persists.