Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

cannot be put out

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be put out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be extinguished or eliminated, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The passion for art in this community cannot be put out, no matter the challenges they face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

M-69 cannot be put out with sand or water.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The flame of the protests' positive spirit cannot be put out".

News & Media

The New York Times

Major League Baseball at one point added to the rule by saying: "If a runner touches an unoccupied base and then thinks the ball was caught or is decoyed into returning to the base he last touched, he may be put out running back to that base, but if he reaches the previously occupied base safely he cannot be put out while in contact with that base".

News & Media

The New York Times

Dysprosium fires cannot be put out by water.

The fires it sets cannot be put out with the usual water or fire extinguishers.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Emoticons cannot be put on a message.

Who should be put out to pasture.

News & Media

Independent

To be put out of its misery".

Ms. Eaglen's physical size cannot be put aside out of politeness.

The genie of freedom is out and cannot be put back in the teapot.

News & Media

The New York Times

And much of what we know cannot be put into words, she explained, pointing out that language evolved relatively late in human development.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you're emphasizing the strength or persistence of something, "cannot be put out" works well. If you're focusing on preventing something from spreading, consider "cannot be contained".

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be put out" when simpler, more direct language suffices. For instance, instead of saying "the candle's flame cannot be put out", opt for "the candle flame won't extinguish" for greater clarity.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be put out" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the inability to extinguish or suppress something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly employed to describe elements that resist elimination, whether literally or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be put out" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, primarily found in news and media, wiki, and science contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the idea of something being impossible to extinguish or suppress, often used metaphorically. While relatively rare, its impact is strong when used appropriately, highlighting resilience and persistence. Consider context and audience for clarity. Related alternatives include "cannot be extinguished" and "cannot be stopped", offering nuanced ways to express the same core concept.

FAQs

What does "cannot be put out" mean?

The phrase "cannot be put out" typically means something is impossible to extinguish, suppress, or stop. It's often used metaphorically to describe feelings, ideas, or movements that are persistent and resilient.

How can I use "cannot be put out" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be put out" to describe something that resists being eliminated or suppressed. For example, "The protests' positive spirit "cannot be put out" by force."

Which phrases are similar in meaning to "cannot be put out"?

Similar phrases include "cannot be extinguished", "cannot be stopped", or "cannot be suppressed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cannot be put out" in formal writing?

Yes, "cannot be put out" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when used metaphorically to describe resilient ideas or movements. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure clarity and impact.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: