cannot be modified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be modified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is fixed or unchangeable, such as rules, agreements, or specifications. Example: "The terms of the contract are final and cannot be modified after signing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The N.F.L. is attempting to modify or regulate behavior that cannot be modified or regulated.

The New York Times - Sports

The alternative is campaigning with a one-design sailboat, which cannot be modified.

The New York Times - Sports

cannot be modified, abridged, or diminished by the Congress". Id., at 266, 95 S.Ct., at 385.

Cornell University

Thermosetting systems, unlike thermoplastics, form permanent, heat-resistant, insoluble bonds that cannot be modified without degradation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, some system-level folders, also known as default folders, have retention policies that cannot be modified.

Stanford University

The abundance of such "heavy" water is a characteristic of a water sample and cannot be modified after its formation.

Harvard University

We have all heard admonitions at some point or other that the word unique cannot be modified — a thing is either unique or it is not.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is now known that, without the G3 domain, the truncated protein core of aggrecan cannot be modified by GAG, and the unmodified protein core cannot be secreted.

Nature

But the puritanical, centuries-old cultures that exist on many of these campuses cannot be modified by merely building a minority cultural center or recognizing a holiday.

The Washington Post

A major determinant is the bioelectric polarity of a plant is genetically predetermined and cannot be modified.

Advances in Space Research

The assignment of tasks to the stations and task sequence on each station are known and cannot be modified, and they do not depend on the product type.

International Journal of Production Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be modified" when you want to emphasize the fixed or unalterable nature of something, such as a setting, rule, or piece of data. Ensure the context clearly supports the idea that change is impossible or prohibited.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be modified" when a situation is merely difficult to change, not absolutely impossible. Opt for phrases like "difficult to modify" or "hard to change" when some degree of alteration is still possible, even if challenging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be modified" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is incapable of being changed or altered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. It's frequently used to describe conditions, rules, or data that are fixed and unchangeable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be modified" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express that something is unchangeable. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, conveying a sense of immutability or finality. While alternatives like "cannot be altered" or "is immutable" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overusing this phrase in contexts where some degree of change is possible, opting instead for terms like "difficult to modify". Overall, "cannot be modified" is a valuable and precise phrase for indicating something's fixed nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be altered

Emphasizes a direct change or adjustment to something.

cannot be changed

A more general term for making something different.

is immutable

A more formal and absolute term for unchangeable.

cannot be adjusted

Focuses on fine-tuning or making small corrections.

is unchangeable

Directly states the inability to be changed.

cannot be revised

Implies a more formal or thorough alteration.

cannot be amended

Suggests a formal correction or addition, often in legal or official contexts.

cannot be updated

Refers to bringing something current or modern.

cannot be reformed

Implies a fundamental change for the better.

cannot be transformed

Suggests a dramatic change in form or appearance.

FAQs

What does "cannot be modified" mean?

The phrase "cannot be modified" means something is in a final state and unable to be altered, changed, or adjusted in any way.

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

You can use alternatives like "cannot be altered", "is immutable", or "cannot be changed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can't be modified"?

Yes, "can't be modified" is a contraction of "cannot be modified" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. Both phrases carry the same meaning.

What's the difference between "cannot be modified" and "cannot be adapted"?

"Cannot be modified" implies a complete inability to change something, while "cannot be adapted" suggests it cannot be adjusted to suit a new purpose or condition. The former is a broader statement of immutability.