cannot be expelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be expelled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something or someone is unable to be removed or forced out, such as in discussions about rights, membership, or physical presence. Example: "Under the current regulations, a member of the organization cannot be expelled without a formal hearing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But the country cannot be expelled or fined.

The New York Times

In contrast, the amount of air that cannot be expelled from the lung increases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Russia cannot be expelled from these bodies, but it can be confronted more boldly.

The Economist

But it cannot be expelled, because in this case the parasite is a creation — in some ways a perfection — of the host organism itself.

The New Yorker

In short, empty our minds as we may, some form of changing process remains for us to feel, and cannot be expelled".

The New Yorker

The status is granted to some rejected asylum seekers who still cannot be expelled because they risk torture or the death penalty in their own country.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They found that unlike seasonal flu viruses, which lodge in the upper respiratory tract and are spread by coughs and sneezes, the H5N1 virus attaches itself to lung cells deep in the respiratory tract, from which viral particles cannot readily be expelled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

France's interior minister, Manuel Valls, has said the lifestyle of Roma from Romania and Bulgaria is so different that most cannot be integrated into French society and must be expelled.

The New York Times

Though Mr. Madadi has diplomatic immunity and therefore cannot be prosecuted for violating the smoking ban aboard aircraft, he could be expelled from the United States.

The New York Times

And despite being the first state lawmaker to be expelled from office by a legislative vote since the 1920s, Mr. Monserrate cannot be counted out.

The New York Times

They should all be expelled.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be expelled" to clearly state the impossibility of removal or ejection, especially in legal, organizational, or physical contexts. For instance, "Under the current regulations, a member of the organization "cannot be expelled" without a formal hearing."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be expelled" when a situation merely presents significant difficulty but doesn't make expulsion absolutely impossible. For example, instead of saying "The stain "cannot be expelled" from the fabric," which implies impossibility, a better phrasing would be "The stain is very difficult to remove from the fabric."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be expelled" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing impossibility or prohibition. It combines the modal verb "cannot" with the passive infinitive "be expelled" to indicate that an action (expulsion) is not permissible or feasible. Ludwig AI affirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be expelled" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates the impossibility of removal or ejection. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context truly reflects an impossibility rather than just a difficulty. Alternatives such as "cannot be removed" or "is irremovable" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be removed

Focuses on the inability to take something or someone away.

cannot be dismissed

Emphasizes the impossibility of disregarding or rejecting something.

cannot be ejected

Highlights the infeasibility of forcing someone or something out.

cannot be ousted

Indicates the inability to depose someone from a position.

cannot be banished

Emphasizes the impossibility of exiling someone.

is irremovable

States that something or someone cannot be taken away.

is immune to expulsion

Highlights a protected status against being expelled.

is protected from removal

Focuses on the safeguarding against being taken away.

remains entrenched

Implies a deeply rooted position that is difficult to dislodge.

is here to stay

Suggests a permanent presence that cannot be altered.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "cannot be expelled"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be removed", "cannot be ejected", or "is irremovable" depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "cannot be expelled"?

It's appropriate when referring to a situation where something or someone is legally, physically, or contractually protected from being removed or forced out. For instance, a member of an organization might "cannot be expelled" without due process.

What is the difference between "cannot be expelled" and "should not be expelled"?

"Cannot be expelled" implies an impossibility, often due to rules or protections. "Should not be expelled", on the other hand, suggests a recommendation or moral imperative against expulsion, but doesn't necessarily mean it's impossible.

Is "cannot be expelled" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "cannot be expelled" is neither strictly formal nor informal; its formality depends on the surrounding context. It is commonly seen in "news and media", "scientific", and "encyclopedic" sources as well as less formal sources.