cannot be proscribed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be proscribed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that something cannot be prohibited or restricted. Example: "In a democratic society, freedom of speech cannot be proscribed, as it is a fundamental right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Roth, he explained, held that "a work cannot be proscribed unless it is 'utterly' without redeeming social importance".

The New Yorker

The Prime Minister announced moves to ban extremist organisations which cannot be proscribed under anti-terror laws because they stop short of advocating violence and to put curbs on individuals suspected of trying to radicalise young adults.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Under the Tories' new proposals, groups that cannot currently be proscribed could be subject to banning orders should ministers "reasonably believe" that they intend to incite religious or racial hatred, to threaten democracy or if there is a pressing need to protect the public from harm, either from a risk of violence, public disorder, harassment or other criminal acts.

BBC

Art should not be proscribed by materials.

The Guardian

The newspapers just refused to allow themselves to be proscribed".

The New York Times

"It never occurred to me that my choices would be proscribed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even their ambulances will be proscribed from the lanes if they are not running blue lights.

The Guardian - Sport

Through all these ventures, skateboarding is no longer something to be proscribed or repelled.

The Guardian

It can be proscribed for entrepreneurial activities, or it can be structured around future income.

Forbes

They argue that if resuscitation has been proscribed and if the person cannot spontaneously resuscitate (auto-resuscitation), the person is irreversibly dead as a practical matter.

Critical Care

The  reports, which cannot be independently verified, claimed the Briton was a key figure in financing the group, which is proscribed as a terrorist group by the European Union and the US.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be proscribed" when you want to emphasize a formal or legalistic impossibility of something being prohibited or restricted. This phrase carries a strong connotation of principle or right that transcends simple disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be proscribed" in casual conversation or informal writing. The formality of "proscribed" can sound stilted or pretentious when simpler alternatives like "banned" or "forbidden" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be proscribed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the impossibility of something being forbidden or outlawed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. It often implies a legal or moral principle that prevents such prohibition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be proscribed" is a grammatically sound and formal expression used to indicate that something is impossible or should not be forbidden. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. Its usage is relatively uncommon, but it appears in diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When writing, it's crucial to consider the formality of "proscribed" and to use simpler alternatives in informal settings. The examples shown by Ludwig demonstrate its effectiveness in defending principles and arguing against censorship, making it a valuable tool for expressing strong stances in appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be prohibited

Replaces "proscribed" with a more common synonym, maintaining a formal tone.

cannot be forbidden

Another synonym for "proscribed", slightly more formal than "banned" but less so than "prohibited".

cannot be banned

Uses a more direct and informal synonym for "proscribed".

must not be proscribed

Emphasizes obligation rather than possibility, but conveys the same restriction.

cannot be outlawed

Uses "outlawed" as a synonym for "proscribed", implying legal prohibition.

should not be proscribed

Expresses a recommendation against proscription, rather than a definitive impossibility.

is not permitted to be proscribed

Similar to the previous phrase, highlighting the absence of authorization.

is not allowed to be proscribed

More verbose, but emphasizes the lack of permission for proscription.

cannot be suppressed

Focuses on the act of preventing something from being expressed or known.

cannot be restricted

Broader term, suggesting limitations rather than complete prohibition.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be proscribed" to indicate that something should not or legally can't be banned or forbidden. For example: "In a free society, thought "cannot be proscribed"".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be proscribed"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be banned", "cannot be forbidden", or "cannot be prohibited" depending on the context.

Is "cannot be proscribed" formal language?

Yes, the term "proscribed" itself is relatively formal. Using "cannot be proscribed" suggests a more elevated or legalistic tone compared to alternatives like "cannot be banned".

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

"Cannot be proscribed" implies an impossibility or a strong principle preventing prohibition, whereas "should not be proscribed" expresses a recommendation or opinion against it. The former is stronger and suggests something is inherently un-proscribable.