cannot be overturned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be overturned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a decision, ruling, or situation is final and cannot be changed or reversed. Example: "The court's decision is final and cannot be overturned, ensuring that justice is served."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The whole system cannot be overturned.

The New York Times

And it cannot be overturned by the legislature.

The New York Times

Most of the 32 outstanding bans are in state constitutions and cannot be overturned by legislatures.

The Economist

The ruling of the Cour de Cassation, France's equivalent to the Supreme Court, cannot be overturned.

The New York Times

Courts have held that federal judicial settlements cannot be overturned by state laws.

The New York Times

In addition, legal documentation of a person's decision to donate cannot be overturned by the family in the United Kingdom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Protesters need to accept that the views of a majority as expressed at the ballot box cannot systematically be overturned by the minority.

The Guardian - Opinion

The unequal structure of land ownership in many Latin American countries, for example, one of the worst legacies of European colonisation, cannot easily be overturned in the face of determined resistance from the current landed elites.

The Guardian

1) Your decision is final, and you cannot allow the appeal to be overturned just because it suits the fielding captain.

The Guardian - Sport

The filibuster can only be overturned by a super-majority of sixty senators - a number Republicans cannot reach.

The Guardian

It cannot be assumed that he did or could foresee that this consistent interpretation of the Lands Act would be overturned.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be overturned", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific decision, rule, or situation is unchangeable. Providing this context enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessively using "cannot be overturned" in everyday conversations or informal writing may sound overly formal or legalistic. Consider using simpler alternatives like "can't be changed" or "is final" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be overturned" functions as a passive construction expressing the impossibility of reversing or changing a decision, ruling, or situation. It is frequently used in formal contexts, as evidenced by Ludwig's multiple examples from news sources and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be overturned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly within news and media sources, to denote the finality and irreversibility of a decision or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, its function is to emphasize that something is unchangeable, often in legal or formal contexts. While the phrase is typically considered neutral, leaning toward formal, Ludwig's wealth of examples showcases its wide application in diverse scenarios where the concept of unalterability is paramount. When aiming for simpler prose, alternatives such as "cannot be reversed" or "is final" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be reversed

Replaces "overturned" with "reversed", emphasizing the action of undoing something.

cannot be undone

Focuses on the impossibility of undoing an action or decision.

cannot be revoked

Specifically refers to the inability to take back a formal decree or decision.

cannot be invalidated

Highlights the impossibility of making something null or void.

is irreversible

A more concise way of expressing that something cannot be changed back to its original state.

is unchangeable

Emphasizes the fixed nature of something, making it impossible to alter.

is set in stone

A more figurative expression suggesting something is permanently decided.

is final

Indicates that a decision is concluded and not subject to further alteration.

is immutable

A more formal term suggesting something is inherently unchangeable.

must stand

Implies that a decision or ruling is valid and should remain in effect.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "cannot be overturned"?

When something "cannot be overturned", it means it is final and irreversible. It's often used in legal contexts to describe decisions or rulings that are not subject to appeal or change. Alternatives include "cannot be reversed" or "cannot be undone".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be overturned"?

The phrase "cannot be overturned" is appropriate in formal contexts such as legal documents, official reports, and news articles, where it's important to emphasize the finality and binding nature of a decision. However, in informal conversation, phrases like "is final" might be more suitable.

Is "cannot be overturned" the same as "cannot be changed"?

While both phrases convey the idea of something being unalterable, "cannot be overturned" often implies a formal or legal context, suggesting a decision or ruling is not subject to appeal or modification. "Cannot be changed" is a more general term that can be used in broader contexts.

Can a law "cannot be overturned"?

Yes, a law can "cannot be overturned" if it is deeply entrenched in a constitution or if there are specific legal mechanisms that prevent its repeal or amendment. For example, some state constitutional bans "cannot be overturned" by legislatures.