cannot be multiplied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be multiplied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical or theoretical contexts to indicate that a certain quantity or element cannot undergo multiplication. Example: "In this scenario, the variable x cannot be multiplied by zero without resulting in an undefined expression."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At sexual reproduction, a multiplication of the genotypes is a square function of their density within a population; therefore, rare types cannot be multiplied even if they have very high fitness (the cost of rarity) [ 62].

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Such truisms could be multiplied.

The Guardian

Today, that concept can be multiplied tenfold.

Huffington Post

Ingredients can be multiplied for many people.

WikiHow

Confirm that the matrices can be multiplied.

WikiHow

So the problem is multiplied by four.

The New York Times - Arts

Strength is multiplied by joy.

Huffington Post

WHR was multiplied by 10.

BMC Public Health

that are multiplied together.

WikiHow

The numbers 1 and 10 don't feel random enough, neither does 2, nor the other even numbers, nor 5, which is right in the middle … So we quickly eliminate all the numbers, leaving us with 7, since 7 is the only number that cannot be divided or multiplied within the first 10.

The Guardian

A slew of parliamentary reports, all warning of the same thing - that we live in an increasingly unstable world, and however much Britain's government might feel its priority should be cutting the budget, it cannot ignore the fact that threats are multiplying.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cannot be multiplied", ensure the context is mathematically or logically sound. It's often used in theoretical discussions where certain operations are restricted or undefined.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be multiplied" in contexts where simple increase or addition is meant. This phrase specifically implies a mathematical constraint, not just a general inability to increase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be multiplied" functions as a descriptor, indicating that a particular entity or value is restricted from undergoing the mathematical operation of multiplication. It appears in contexts discussing the limitations or undefined nature of multiplication within a specific system or theory, as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be multiplied" is grammatically correct but relatively rare, primarily occurring in scientific and mathematical contexts. It serves to specify a limitation or constraint on the operation of multiplication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that a certain quantity cannot undergo multiplication due to specific rules or conditions. When using this phrase, ensure the context is mathematically sound to avoid misapplication. Alternatives such as "is not multiplicable" or "multiplication is not applicable" may be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be increased by multiplication

Specifies that the inability to multiply relates to increasing a quantity.

cannot be scaled by multiplication

Highlights that the problem relates to scaling and multiplication.

is not multiplicable

Uses a single word to convey the inability to be multiplied.

cannot undergo multiplication

Focuses on the operation of multiplication itself.

multiplication is not applicable

States that multiplication is not suitable or relevant in a given scenario.

cannot be factored

Focuses on the inverse operation of multiplication.

cannot be a multiplier

Emphasizes that the problem refers to something not working as a multiplier.

multiplication is undefined

Highlights the mathematical concept of undefined operations.

cannot be aggregated multiplicatively

Refers to the inability to combine elements through multiplication.

is not susceptible to multiplication

Describes the inability to be acted upon by multiplication.

FAQs

What does "cannot be multiplied" mean?

The phrase "cannot be multiplied" indicates that a specific value, quantity, or element is not able to undergo the mathematical operation of multiplication due to certain constraints or undefined properties within a given system or context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be multiplied"?

Use "cannot be multiplied" in mathematical, scientific, or theoretical contexts where the multiplication operation is either restricted by rules or results in an undefined or illogical outcome. It's appropriate when explaining limitations or constraints within a particular system.

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be multiplied"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "cannot be increased by multiplication", "is not multiplicable", or "multiplication is not applicable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "cannot be multiplied" differ from "cannot be divided"?

"Cannot be multiplied" refers to a limitation on the multiplication operation, while "cannot be divided" refers to a limitation on the division operation. They indicate different mathematical constraints. Division by zero, for example, is a common instance where a number "cannot be divided".