cannot be recalled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be recalled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is unable to be remembered or retrieved from memory. Example: "Due to the trauma, certain details of the event cannot be recalled by the witnesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The problem is that the internet cannot be recalled.

The Economist

Information that cannot be recalled has not really been learned.

The New York Times

Their business is making loans that cannot be recalled quickly from deposits that can vanish in a trice.

The Economist

But one thing is certain — by law Mr. Suttle cannot be recalled, for at least another year.

The New York Times

Komiyama cannot be recalled for 10 days unless the Mets put a pitcher on the disabled list.

The New York Times - Sports

Senators cannot be recalled by their states before their terms expire, according to precedents set by the US supreme court.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The main object of the Democrats' ire, Governor Scott Walker, had been elected barely three months prior to the beginning of the row, as had all of the state representatives and half of the state senators; they cannot yet be recalled.

The Economist

Instead, GA is based on the date of a woman's last menstrual period (LMP) or, if the LMP is uncertain/cannot be recalled, the symphyseal-fundal height (SFH) of the uterus, which is converted to weeks using standard dating charts [ 21].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The reason he's been recalled cannot be disclosed without endangering his anonymity.

The Guardian - Opinion

But one of the peculiarities of the California recall process is that the official who is being recalled cannot run to replace himself.

The New Yorker

Indeed, many old cadres feel their experience of the revolution cannot be accurately recalled, much less conveyed.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be recalled" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a memory, a decision, or a physical object. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be recalled" when you mean "cannot recall". The passive voice shifts the focus from the actor to the object; ensure this shift is intentional and grammatically correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be recalled" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating an inability to remember or retrieve something. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts ranging from memory recall to the irreversibility of actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be recalled" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to indicate that something is impossible to remember, retrieve, or undo. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. Analysis of various sources reveals that it is most frequently used in news, media, and scientific contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it tends to lean towards neutral and formal registers. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines whether you are referring to memory, decisions, or physical objects to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "cannot be remembered" or "cannot be retrieved" can provide similar meanings with slight nuances. Be mindful of the passive voice construction to ensure it aligns with your intended focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be remembered

Focuses specifically on the inability to remember something.

cannot be retrieved

Emphasizes the inability to access or recover something, such as information.

cannot be undone

Highlights the irreversibility of an action or situation.

cannot be reversed

Similar to "cannot be undone", but often used in more formal or technical contexts.

cannot be revoked

Specifically refers to the inability to take back or cancel something that has been granted or established.

cannot be rescinded

A more formal synonym of "cannot be revoked".

cannot be taken back

A more informal way of expressing irreversibility.

cannot be obliterated from memory

Highlights the permanence of a memory, even if unwanted.

cannot be erased

Emphasizes the impossibility of removing or deleting something completely.

cannot be dismissed from consideration

Focuses on the necessity of continuing to consider something, despite potential drawbacks.

FAQs

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

The phrase "cannot be recalled" is used to indicate that something is impossible to remember or retrieve. For example: "Due to the trauma, the event "cannot be recalled" in detail" or "Once sent, the message "cannot be recalled"".

What's a simpler way to say "cannot be recalled"?

Alternatives to "cannot be recalled" include "cannot be remembered", "cannot be retrieved", or "cannot be undone", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "can't be recalled"?

Yes, "can't be recalled" is a perfectly acceptable contraction of "cannot be recalled". It is suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, it's generally better to use the full form "cannot be recalled".

What is the difference between "cannot be recalled" and "cannot recall"?

"Cannot be recalled" is in the passive voice, indicating something is acted upon (e.g., "The information "cannot be recalled""). "Cannot recall" is active, meaning someone is unable to remember (e.g., "I "cannot recall" the details").