cannot be protected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be protected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing legal, intellectual property, or security matters where something is deemed unprotectable. Example: "This idea cannot be protected under current copyright laws, as it lacks originality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The high seas are so vast and distant that people behave as though they cannot be protected or do not need protection.

The Economist

Recently, we have demonstrated that although the myocardium from patients with poor left ventricular function (ejection fraction < 30%) or with diabetes cannot be protected with IP, the mitoKATP channel opener diazoxide elicited protection in the former but not in the latter [ 40].

BMC Physiology

The large companies cannot be protected.

The New York Times

Privacy cannot be protected in the internet age.

The Guardian

"It's a myth that the Greek-Turkish border cannot be protected".

The Guardian

"If it's not protected at its root, then it cannot be protected".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But what the whir sound also tells us is that fighters cannot ever be protected.

The New York Times - Arts

An ascending missile is a larger, slower and hotter target than warheads tumbling through space, and cannot easily be protected with decoys.

The New York Times

Specifically, Sanidas argued that Internet Communications cannot and should not be protected by the principle of the secrecy of communications.

TechCrunch

We agree that if taxpayers' interests as shareholders are to be protected, G.M. cannot be micromanaged from Washington.

The New York Times

It is also argued that water, with vital importance socially, culturally, and ecologically, 'cannot be protected by purely market forces' [ 65].

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be protected", ensure the context clearly defines what is at risk and why it lacks protection. For example, specify whether it's due to legal limitations, physical vulnerabilities, or resource constraints.

Common error

Be careful not to use "cannot be protected" when "difficult to protect" is more accurate. Overstating the impossibility can undermine your argument if any protective measures are even theoretically possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be protected" functions as a passive construction indicating an inherent inability to defend or safeguard something. It's commonly used to express limitations in security, legal matters, or preservation efforts. As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be protected" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey an inability to defend or safeguard something. As noted by Ludwig, its versatility makes it suitable for diverse contexts, although careful consideration should be given to ensure the impossibility of protection is accurately represented. Common synonyms include "is indefensible" and "is impossible to safeguard". This phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using the phrase, avoid overstating the impossibility, ensuring your claims are substantiated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is indefensible

Replaces the passive voice with a direct adjective.

is impossible to safeguard

Substitutes "protected" with a more specific synonym, "safeguard".

is not defensible

Uses a more direct synonym of protected and removes any ambiguity.

is beyond protection

Emphasizes that protective measures are insufficient or inapplicable.

is unsecurable

Focuses on the aspect of security and makes use of a single word.

is not able to be shielded

Emphasizes the inability to provide a shield or barrier.

is impossible to preserve

Shifts the focus to maintaining the current state, rather than shielding.

offers no defense

Changes the structure to focus on the lack of a defense mechanism.

is vulnerable

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or attack instead of the inability to protect.

is at risk

Focuses on the potential for harm, moving away from the impossibility of protection.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be protected" to describe situations where something is inherently vulnerable or lacks the means for defense. For example, "This outdated system "cannot be protected" from modern cyber threats".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be protected"?

Alternatives include "is indefensible", "is impossible to safeguard", or "is not defensible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, "is indefensible" might be used in a legal context.

Which is correct, "cannot be protected" or "can't be protected"?

Both "cannot be protected" and "can't be protected" are grammatically correct. "Cannot" is more formal, while "can't" is a contraction suitable for informal contexts.

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

Use "cannot be protected" when describing situations where something is inherently vulnerable, lacks legal protection, or is physically impossible to defend, such as "Certain historical artifacts "cannot be protected" from the effects of climate change".