cannot be lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be lost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is secure or guaranteed not to disappear or be forgotten. Example: "The memories we created together cannot be lost, no matter how much time passes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot be lost or destroyed.

The New York Times

That kind of reaction cannot be lost on others.

The New York Times

The irony cannot be lost on Salford fans.

The Guardian - Sport

'5) A domicile cannot be lost until a new one has been acquired.

Cornell University

Meanwhile, physicists have more reason than ever to think that information cannot be lost.

The New York Times - Science

Or, as Childs says, "In our repetition, we cannot be lost.

The New Yorker

But the truth is more complex and innocence cannot be lost or found.

The New York Times - Books

Although the cryptocurrency cannot be "lost", the 64-character "private keys" that give owners access to their digital wallets can.

The Times

Simultaneous logic and its inverse in a single circuit is an important design because input data of a circuit cannot be lost during operation.

Optics Communications

Afghanistan may have all along been an unwinnable war, but it is just as much a conflict that cannot be lost without dire consequences.

The Guardian - Opinion

These things cannot be lost, according to the way we think the universe works, and physicists generally believe that they aren't really lost.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be lost" to emphasize the irretrievability or permanence of something, whether it's data, a feeling, or a principle.

Common error

While "cannot be lost" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in informal writing where simpler alternatives like "won't be lost" or "can't be lost" may sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be lost" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is irretrievable or impossible to misplace. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be lost" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys the idea of permanence, security, or indispensability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone and register of your writing, opting for more informal alternatives like "can't be lost" in casual settings. To maintain clarity and avoid overuse, consider employing related phrases such as "must be preserved" or "cannot be forgotten", depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be forgotten

Focuses on the impossibility of something fading from memory.

cannot be erased

Highlights the permanence and indelibility of something.

must be preserved

Emphasizes the necessity of maintaining something in its current state.

must be retained

Highlights the importance of keeping something without change.

cannot be forfeited

Focuses on something being impossible to give up or lose a right to.

cannot be squandered

Highlights the idea that something shouldn't be wasted.

cannot be compromised

Emphasizes that the original state of something must not be damaged.

cannot be neglected

Focuses on the importance of giving continuous attention.

cannot be overlooked

Highlights the necessity of paying careful attention to something, because it's important.

cannot be reversed

Implies that once something is done, its effects are permanent.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be lost" to express that something is secure, guaranteed, or indispensable. For instance, "The data on this hard drive cannot be lost" or "The value of integrity cannot be lost in our pursuit of success".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be lost"?

Alternatives include "cannot be forgotten", "cannot be erased", "must be preserved", or "cannot be forfeited depending on the context".

Is it better to say "cannot be lost" or "can't be lost"?

"Cannot be lost" is more formal, whereas "can't be lost" is more informal. Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone and register of your writing.

What's the difference between "cannot be lost" and "should not be lost"?

"Cannot be lost" implies a higher degree of certainty or security; something is inherently protected from being lost. "Should not be lost" implies a recommendation or desire to prevent loss, but doesn't guarantee it.