cannot be forsaken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be forsaken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is essential or cannot be abandoned or neglected. Example: "The values of honesty and integrity cannot be forsaken in our organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

What makes the presupposition absolute is that it cannot be forsaken without at the same time undermining the form of enquiry which it makes possible.

SEP

Concepts is the part of math that cannot be forsaken.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You will not be forsaken.

The New York Times

"You will not be forsaken," he said.

The New York Times

A: Poetry was too natural to me to be forsaken.

Harvard University

But at Cannes euro-zone leaders made plain that family members could be forsaken, even disinherited.

The Economist

William, in effect, was the British side of Franklin that had to be forsaken.

The New York Times - Books

He would be forsaking his practice, he noted.

The New York Times

Irishmen who cut their hair short were deemed to be forsaking their Irish heritage.

Wikipedia

In Stevens's view, the courts should weigh in because "when partisanship is the legislature's sole motivation when any pretense of neutrality is forsaken unabashedly and all traditional districting criteria are subverted for partisan advantage the governing body cannot be said to have acted impartially".

The New Yorker

In Stevens's view, the courts should weigh in because "when partisanship is the legislature's sole motivation — when any pretense of neutrality is forsaken unabashedly and all traditional districting criteria are subverted for partisan advantage — the governing body cannot be said to have acted impartially".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "cannot be forsaken" when emphasizing the critical importance of a principle, value, or concept that must be maintained under all circumstances. For example: "Integrity in research cannot be forsaken, even under pressure to produce results."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be forsaken" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "shouldn't be forgotten" or "must be kept in mind" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be forsaken" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a strong necessity or prohibition. It emphasizes that something should not, under any circumstances, be abandoned or neglected. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing the phrase's role in underscoring critical importance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

34%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be forsaken" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the absolute necessity of maintaining a particular value or principle. While not exceptionally common, as noted by Ludwig AI, its usage spans diverse contexts, including news and media, scientific discourse, and general knowledge resources. Alternatives such as "must not be abandoned" and "cannot be neglected" offer similar semantic weight. When employing this phrase, ensure its formality aligns with the context to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not be abandoned

Replaces "cannot" with "must", emphasizing obligation.

should not be abandoned

Replaces "cannot" with "should", suggesting a recommendation.

cannot be neglected

Substitutes "forsaken" with "neglected", shifting focus to attentiveness.

cannot be ignored

Replaces "forsaken" with "ignored", highlighting the risk of overlooking something important.

must be upheld

Replaces "cannot be forsaken" with "must be upheld", suggesting a sense of active maintenance.

cannot be compromised

Replaces "forsaken" with "compromised", focusing on the risk of weakening something.

must be preserved

Replaces "cannot be forsaken" with "must be preserved", emphasizing conservation.

is indispensable

Replaces the modal phrase with an adjective highlighting necessity.

is essential

Replaces the modal phrase with an adjective highlighting importance.

is paramount

Replaces the modal phrase with an adjective emphasizing supreme importance.

FAQs

What does "cannot be forsaken" mean?

The phrase "cannot be forsaken" means that something is so important or essential that it must not be abandoned, neglected, or given up. It signifies an irreplaceable or indispensable quality.

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

You can use "cannot be forsaken" to emphasize the importance of values, principles, or commitments. For example: "The commitment to quality cannot be forsaken in the pursuit of lower costs."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be forsaken"?

Alternatives include "must not be abandoned", "cannot be neglected", or "should not be ignored" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "cannot be abandoned" or "cannot be forsaken"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "cannot be forsaken" carries a slightly stronger and more formal tone. "Cannot be abandoned" is more commonly used and may be suitable in a wider range of contexts.