cannot be killed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be killed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing invincibility, resilience, or metaphorical meanings related to ideas or concepts that persist despite challenges. Example: "In the face of adversity, hope cannot be killed; it always finds a way to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Words cannot be killed".

Independent

#Freedomofthepress cannot be killed.

Independent

"Lenin cannot be killed!

The Guardian - Film

They prophesied plants that cannot be killed.

The New York Times

We're strong, and we cannot be killed.

The New Yorker

For one thing, he cannot be killed.

The New York Times

"Ideas cannot be killed," Sarría emphatically said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Washiqur Rahman was right: words cannot be killed.

Independent

"Love," he said, "cannot be killed or swept aside".

The New York Times

If Emwazi cannot be killed under such circumstances, when could he be?

Independent

"There have been Facebook posts stating Avijit Roy cannot be killed because he lives in America.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be killed" metaphorically (e.g., for ideas or love), ensure the context clearly indicates the abstract meaning to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be killed" when "difficult to kill" or "highly resistant" are more accurate. Overstating invincibility can weaken your argument if the subject is only exceptionally durable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be killed" functions as a passive construction indicating an impossibility of being terminated or destroyed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It often denotes invulnerability or resilience, applicable to both literal subjects (e.g., a character in fiction) and abstract concepts (e.g., ideas).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be killed" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to express the impossibility of something being terminated or destroyed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It's frequently employed in news, media, science and wiki contexts, denoting invulnerability or resilience, and can be applied both literally and metaphorically. When using this phrase, particularly in metaphorical contexts, clarity is key to avoid misinterpretation. Related phrases include "is indestructible" and "cannot be destroyed". While versatile, overuse in literal contexts should be avoided when more nuanced descriptions are appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is indestructible

Focuses on the inherent quality of being impossible to destroy.

cannot be destroyed

A direct synonym, emphasizing the impossibility of destruction.

is unkillable

A more informal and direct way of saying something cannot be killed.

cannot be eliminated

Emphasizes the impossibility of removing or getting rid of something.

is impervious to

Highlights resistance or invulnerability to specific threats or forces.

cannot be eradicated

Focuses on the inability to completely wipe something out.

is immune to

Highlights a natural or developed resistance to harm.

cannot be suppressed

Emphasizes the inability to hold back or restrain something.

is beyond destruction

Suggests something is in a state or condition where it can't be destroyed.

cannot be extinguished

Highlights the inability to put an end to something, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

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

The phrase "cannot be killed" is used to describe something that is indestructible or immune to harm. For example, "The virus "cannot be killed" in this dormant state" or "Ideas "cannot be killed"".

What are some synonyms for "cannot be killed"?

Alternatives to "cannot be killed" include "is indestructible", "cannot be destroyed", or "is unkillable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cannot be killed" or "cannot be destroyed"?

Both "cannot be killed" and "cannot be destroyed" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Cannot be killed" is often used in contexts involving living things or metaphorical concepts, while "cannot be destroyed" may be used more broadly.

In what scenarios is it appropriate to use "cannot be killed" metaphorically?

You can use "cannot be killed" metaphorically to describe abstract concepts like love, ideas, or hope that persist despite challenges or opposition. For instance, "Love "cannot be killed" or swept aside".