cannot be fixed

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot be fixed" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is normally used when discussing something which cannot be remedied, such as: "The damage to the building due to the storm cannot be fixed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Schizophrenia cannot be fixed.

The Guardian

"Some things cannot be fixed".

The New Yorker

The world's climate cannot be fixed by opening an umbrella.

The Guardian - Books

Border disputes with one's neighbors cannot be fixed with wars.

The New York Times

Things can be repaired, but lives cannot be fixed".

The New York Times

That problem cannot be fixed by hiring "public diplomacy" experts.

The Economist

It cannot be fixed and should be repealed everywhere.

The New York Times

Stop-and-frisk cannot be fixed and should be ended.

The New York Times

But, to a man, they do not think there is anything wrong that cannot be fixed.

The New York Times - Sports

If their mood is upset by poor atmospheric conditions, it cannot be fixed by money".

The Guardian - Travel

The problem cannot be fixed overnight, or even over one political term.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be fixed", ensure the context clearly establishes what is irreparable and why. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be fixed" for problems that are merely difficult or time-consuming to resolve. This phrase implies a permanent state of irresolution, so reserve it for truly unfixable situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be fixed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing impossibility or inability. It describes a state where repair or correction is not possible. Ludwig AI confirms this, as the phrase is commonly used to denote something that cannot be remedied.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be fixed" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations or objects that are beyond repair. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates something that cannot be remedied. Analysis of its usage reveals a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, scientific discussions, and general conversation. While direct, it's essential to reserve this phrase for genuinely irreparable situations to avoid overstatement. Alternative phrases like "is beyond repair" or "is irreparable" can offer nuanced ways to convey a similar meaning. Understanding the context and implications of "cannot be fixed" ensures its effective and appropriate use in written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is beyond repair

Focuses on the state of being damaged to the point where repair is impossible.

is irreparable

Highlights the permanence of the damage, emphasizing that it cannot be undone.

is unrecoverable

Stresses the impossibility of returning to a previous, better state.

is not salvageable

Emphasizes the inability to rescue or save something from a negative situation.

is a lost cause

Indicates that further effort is futile because the outcome is already determined.

is beyond hope

Highlights the lack of any positive expectation for improvement or resolution.

is irremediable

Stresses that no remedy or solution can be applied to rectify the situation.

is irreversible

Focuses on the inability to reverse the changes or damage that has occurred.

is set in stone

Emphasizes the permanence and unchangeability of a decision or situation.

cannot be undone

Highlights the impossibility of reversing a previous action or event.

FAQs

What does "cannot be fixed" mean?

The phrase "cannot be fixed" signifies that something is damaged, flawed, or in a state that prevents it from being repaired or improved. It suggests a permanent or near-permanent condition.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be fixed" in writing?

Use "cannot be fixed" when describing situations, objects, or problems that are essentially beyond repair or correction. This includes irreversible damage, systemic issues, or inherent flaws.

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be fixed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is beyond repair", "is irreparable", or "is unrecoverable". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of irrepairability.

Is "cannot be fixed" too negative for certain situations?

While generally direct, the negativity of "cannot be fixed" depends on the context. In sensitive discussions, consider softer phrasing like "difficult to resolve" or "presenting significant challenges" if complete resolution isn't necessarily impossible but highly improbable.