cannot be forgiven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be forgiven" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is expressing that a particular action or behavior is so severe that it cannot be excused or pardoned. Example: "His betrayal was so deep that it cannot be forgiven, no matter how much time passes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"This cannot be forgiven".

The New York Times

"I was told that despair is the one sin that cannot be forgiven".

The New York Times

"Making people disappear is something that cannot be forgiven, it is the crime of all crimes".

The Guardian

The country of the kibbutz cannot be forgiven for siding with the capitalist oppressor, the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the Coens, however faithful to the book, cannot be forgiven for disposing of Llewelyn so casually.

The New Yorker

"Despite how hard he worked and the successes achieved under his leadership, what he did to his own people cannot be forgiven".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Not having anything to ask forgiveness for, I cannot even be forgiven.

The New Yorker

Finally, there may be some actions (or persons) that are beyond forgiveness not in the sense that they cannot logically be forgiven, for example, by third parties, or in the sense that victims lack the psychological resources to forgive them, but in the normative sense that they or their actions are so evil as to be beyond the pale of forgiveness and should not be forgiven.

SEP

The stress and pain you caused millions of gay and lesbian people cannot easily be forgiven.

Huffington Post

When he sees his father's ghost, he cannot make amends, since he cannot ask to be forgiven for something his father simply refuses to believe.

The New Yorker

"I truly believe my crime is one that cannot and should not be forgiven".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of using such a strong statement. Is the purpose to convey finality, moral outrage, or a sense of irreparable damage? Choose alternatives if a less forceful tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be forgiven" for minor mistakes or disagreements. This phrase should be reserved for significant transgressions that have serious and lasting consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be forgiven" functions as a predicate expressing that a certain action or characteristic is beyond the possibility of absolution. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct for expressing a state of unforgiveness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be forgiven" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that an action or behavior is beyond the possibility of pardon or excuse. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to convey strong disapproval or condemnation. Its register is generally neutral, though the intensity of sentiment can be adjusted depending on the specific context. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, with secondary usage in Science and Formal & Business contexts. For alternative phrasing, "is unforgivable", "is inexcusable", and "is unpardonable" offer nuanced variations of the same sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unforgivable

Replaces the verb phrase with a single adjective, making it more concise.

is inexcusable

Focuses on the lack of excuse for the action, highlighting its unjustifiable nature.

is unpardonable

Emphasizes the inability to grant forgiveness, suggesting a moral or ethical boundary has been crossed.

cannot be excused

Similar in structure but uses "excused" instead of "forgiven", shifting the focus slightly to justification rather than absolution.

is beyond redemption

Implies a state where recovery or improvement is impossible, adding a sense of hopelessness.

is past forgiving

Indicates a point where forgiveness is no longer possible, often due to repeated offenses or severe consequences.

is not to be forgiven

A more formal way of expressing the impossibility of forgiveness, emphasizing a deliberate choice.

defies forgiveness

Suggests that the act actively resists or opposes the possibility of forgiveness, making it seem more defiant.

is beyond the pale

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that the act is unacceptable and violates moral or ethical norms.

cannot be condoned

Focuses on the lack of approval or acceptance, rather than direct forgiveness.

FAQs

What does "cannot be forgiven" mean?

The phrase "cannot be forgiven" means that an action or behavior is considered so severe or offensive that it is impossible or inappropriate to pardon or excuse it. It implies a sense of finality and often signifies deep moral or ethical violation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be forgiven"?

It's appropriate to use "cannot be forgiven" when describing actions that are considered extremely harmful, morally reprehensible, or that have caused irreparable damage. It should be used sparingly and with careful consideration of the context.

What are some alternatives to "cannot be forgiven"?

Alternatives include "is unforgivable", "is inexcusable", or "is unpardonable". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "cannot be forgiven" and "should not be forgiven"?

Yes, "cannot be forgiven" implies an impossibility or extreme difficulty in granting forgiveness, while "should not be forgiven" expresses a moral judgment that forgiveness is inappropriate or undesirable. The former suggests an inherent barrier, while the latter reflects a conscious decision.