cannot be flouted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be flouted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a rule, law, or principle must be followed and cannot be ignored or disobeyed. Example: "The regulations set forth by the organization cannot be flouted without consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But other advocates saw the ruling as a triumph and a sign that the public will cannot be flouted.

The New York Times

Third and scarcely less important, the decision would give bite to conditionality, sending a stern lesson to the rest of Europe that bail-out terms cannot be flouted with impunity.XVI.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Because, after all, rules are made to be flouted.

TechCrunch

As conventions, they may now be flouted, parodied, played upon, or otherwise altered for strategic and interactional effect.

Johns Hopkins University

The administration already seems to be flouting the law.

HuffPost

Those who claim to respect international law cannot avert their eyes when those laws are flouted.

Forbes

But we cannot look the other way while international law and human rights are flouted.

The Guardian

"That rule was flouted and now the idea is to strongly remind climbers what they can do and what they cannot, just when they are about to begin the climb".

BBC

Democratic accountability is flouted.

The Guardian

The Constitution is flouted equally in either case.

Cornell University

• But Title IX quotas being flouted at major universities?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be flouted" in formal writing when emphasizing the importance of adhering to rules or laws, especially when implying consequences for non-compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be flouted" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "must be followed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be flouted" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing obligation or prohibition. It indicates that a rule, law, or principle is inviolable and must not be disobeyed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests serious consequences if the rule is disregarded.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be flouted" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express the inviolable nature of rules or laws. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and appropriate usage. While relatively rare, it appears primarily in formal contexts such as news media and academic writing. Alternative phrases include "must be obeyed" and "cannot be disregarded", offering similar meanings with slight variations in tone and emphasis. When using "cannot be flouted", ensure the context is appropriate for its formal register to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be obeyed

Changes the verb to a more direct command, implying obligation.

must be adhered to

Emphasizes strict compliance and adherence to a specific standard.

cannot be disregarded

Focuses on the act of ignoring or overlooking, suggesting the rule is important.

must not be ignored

Similar to "cannot be disregarded", but with a more forceful tone.

cannot be violated

Highlights the potential for transgression and the need to prevent it.

is non-negotiable

Indicates a firm stance where no exceptions or compromises are allowed.

is mandatory

States that something is required by law or rule.

is compulsory

Similar to "is mandatory", denoting a legal or obligatory requirement.

brooks no violation

A more formal and emphatic way of saying that violations will not be tolerated.

is sacrosanct

Implies that something is sacred and inviolable, emphasizing its importance.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be flouted" to emphasize the importance of a rule, law, or principle that must be strictly followed. For example, "The regulations set forth by the organization "cannot be flouted" without consequences."

What can I say instead of "cannot be flouted"?

You can use alternatives like "must be obeyed", "must be adhered to", or "cannot be disregarded" depending on the specific context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "cannot be flouted" formal or informal?

"Cannot be flouted" is generally considered a formal expression. It's best suited for professional or academic writing where a tone of seriousness and compliance is required.

What's the difference between "cannot be flouted" and "must be followed"?

While both phrases indicate the necessity of adhering to a rule, ""cannot be flouted"" carries a stronger implication of potential consequences for non-compliance. "Must be followed" is a more general and straightforward instruction.