cannot be exchanged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be exchanged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that an item or service is non-refundable or non-transferable. Example: "Please note that all sale items are final and cannot be exchanged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded.

The Guardian

These tickets are nonrefundable and cannot be exchanged.

The New York Times - Travel

"Blood cannot be exchanged for money," says Mr Arias.

The Economist

First, property located in the United States cannot be exchanged for property outside the United States.

The Washington Post

Vouchers presented after this date are void and cannot be exchanged or refunded.

The Guardian

The specified prizes are not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other prize.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

However, data cannot usually be exchanged between these tools without loss of information.

Information and Software Technology

Ad hoc formats cannot easily be exchanged with other groups.

Journal of Cheminformatics

However, due to privacy concerns, patient-level data cannot always be exchanged across different institutions.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

This is the kind of ecstatic geekery Lynch's films can unleash; but it is not something to be scorned, even if you are among those people who think that his work constitutes nothing more than a shoal of red herrings, or promissory notes that cannot in the end be exchanged for anything of value.

The Guardian - Film

Here we report that the PA-binding domain of the polymerase subunit PB1 of influenza A and B viruses is highly conserved and that mutual amino acid exchange shows that they cannot be functionally exchanged with each other.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be exchanged" in formal writing, ensure that the reason for the non-exchangeability is clear to the reader, such as specifying the item or situation to which it applies.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "cannot be exchanged" automatically implies "non-refundable". Clearly state both conditions if neither exchanges nor refunds are permitted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be exchanged" functions as a passive construction indicating a restriction or prohibition. According to Ludwig, it conveys that something is ineligible for substitution or replacement. It is commonly used in formal contexts such as legal terms, business policies, or official guidelines to communicate a non-negotiable condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be exchanged" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something is non-transferable or non-replaceable. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While predominantly neutral to formal in register, its specific formality depends on the context. Key related phrases include "is non-exchangeable" and "is not transferable". A crucial writing tip is to ensure clarity regarding the reason for non-exchangeability. The analyzed examples confirm the phrase's widespread use and contextual versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is non-exchangeable

Replaces the verb phrase with a single adjective, maintaining the meaning of not being able to be exchanged.

is not transferable

Focuses on the inability to transfer something to another person or entity.

is non-refundable

Highlights the inability to get a refund for something, implying it cannot be exchanged for money.

cannot be returned

Emphasizes the inability to send something back for an exchange or refund.

is not redeemable

Focuses on the inability to cash in or exchange something for its value.

is irreplaceable

Indicates that something is so unique that there's nothing else that you can exchange it for.

is non-convertible

Highlights the inability to convert something into another form or asset.

is fixed

Indicates that something is set and cannot be altered or exchanged.

is irreversible

Implies that a process or decision has been made and cannot be reversed or exchanged for another outcome.

cannot be altered

Focuses on the impossibility of changing something, which can prevent exchanges.

FAQs

What does "cannot be exchanged" mean?

The phrase "cannot be exchanged" means that an item, service, or benefit is not eligible for substitution or replacement with something else of similar value or type. It often appears in terms and conditions to indicate that a purchase or prize is final.

What is a synonym for "cannot be exchanged"?

A synonym for "cannot be exchanged" is "is non-exchangeable", indicating that an item or service is not eligible for exchange.

How do I use "cannot be exchanged" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be exchanged" in a sentence like this: "Tickets are non-refundable and "cannot be exchanged" for a different date."

What's the difference between "cannot be exchanged" and "cannot be returned"?

"Cannot be exchanged" means you can't swap an item for a different one, while "cannot be returned" means you can't send it back for a refund. Something can "cannot be returned" but still be exchanged and vice versa, though often they go together.