cannot be moved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be moved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is fixed in place or unable to be relocated. Example: "The heavy furniture cannot be moved without assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot be moved".

The New York Times

Some distractions cannot be moved into storage.

The New York Times

A mountain that cannot be moved".

The Guardian - Sport

In addition, these firms' key assets cannot be moved easily.

Harvard Business Review

Mixers monopolize space and cannot be moved very easily.

The New York Times - Food

No, for a body which has no natural movement at all cannot be moved by constraint.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Finals cannot be moved, so make sure to arrange travel plans around your exam schedule.

Cornell University

Chairs and tables set outside have been chained so they cannot be moved.

The New York Times

Their shortcoming is that they cannot be moved rapidly for new assignments.

The New York Times

When beds are not available, patients requiring hospitalization cannot be moved out of the emergency room.

The New York Times

Larger pools cannot be moved around when full - so the damage could be even worse.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be moved", ensure the context clearly establishes what is preventing the movement, whether it's physical constraints, regulations, or agreements.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be moved" when the obstacle to movement is temporary or easily overcome. Instead, use phrases like "difficult to move" or "should not be moved" to reflect the true situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be moved" functions as a passive construction expressing an inability or impossibility of relocation. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis, confirming its grammatical correctness and common usage. Examples show it describing physical objects, abstract concepts, and even legal restrictions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be moved" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used to indicate immobility or the impossibility of relocation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase enjoys a neutral tone, making it appropriate for various formal and informal contexts. Common uses include describing physical objects, abstract concepts, and legal constraints. It's important to consider the specific context to convey its meaning accurately. Alternatives such as "is immovable" or "is fixed in place", offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unmovable

Emphasizes the physical impossibility of moving something.

is immovable

Similar to "is unmovable", but can also apply to abstract concepts.

is fixed in place

Highlights that something is secured and not intended to be moved.

is non-transferable

Implies something cannot be transferred or reassigned, often in a legal or administrative context.

is permanently installed

Suggests a deliberate installation that makes removal difficult or impossible.

is set in stone

Indicates a decision or rule that is unchangeable.

is rigidly affixed

Stresses the firmness and security with which something is attached.

is immutably established

Emphasizes the unchangeable and permanent nature of something.

is anchored securely

Highlights that something is held firmly in place and resistant to movement.

is permanently located

Suggests a fixed location that is unlikely to change.

FAQs

How do I use "cannot be moved" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be moved" to describe something that is physically fixed, legally restricted, or practically impossible to relocate. For example, "The monument "cannot be moved" due to its historical significance".

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

Alternatives include "is immovable", "is fixed in place", or "is non-transferable", depending on the specific context.

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

"Cannot be moved" is more formal, while "can't be moved" is a contraction suitable for informal contexts. Both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

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

"Cannot be moved" indicates an impossibility, while "should not be moved" suggests it is inadvisable but potentially possible. The former is a statement of fact, the latter a recommendation or warning.