cannot be reciprocated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be reciprocated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that a feeling, action, or sentiment cannot be returned or matched by another person. Example: "Her love for him was deep, but unfortunately, it cannot be reciprocated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Though stalkers make everyone rightly nervous, feelings that cannot be reciprocated — love of artists dead and distant, hatred of governments, etc. — are one of the unacknowledged legislators of the world.

The New York Times - Books

As the moral conscience in an unconscionable world, Jake must bear the burden of the Hilton sisters' shyness and sadness toward the end of the musical when he declares his love — a love that cannot be reciprocated, given the times.

The New Yorker

She claims that the prostitute's work differs from that of other low-status workers in that it is a form of labor that cannot be reciprocated (Overall 1992, 718).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Forgiveness must be reciprocated.

The New York Times - Arts

But the feeling might not be reciprocated.

The Guardian

Coolness can be reciprocated, the benign turn malign.

The New York Times

Social contacts in Flickr are directed and may be reciprocated.

EPJ Data Science

Social buffering should be reciprocated!

WikiHow

This will often be reciprocated, meaning your name gets circulated.

WikiHow

"It doesn't have to be reciprocating props," Ament said.

The New York Times - Sports

For example, we cannot know, from this focus group, if the apparent importance to interviewers of the sense of interview-relationship with participants was reciprocated or valued by participants.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of the phrase. "Cannot be reciprocated" often implies disappointment or unfulfillment. Use it judiciously to convey the intended emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be reciprocated" when a more active construction would be clearer. For example, instead of "The feeling cannot be reciprocated by him", consider "He cannot reciprocate the feeling".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be reciprocated" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state where an action, feeling, or sentiment is impossible to return. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be reciprocated" is a grammatically sound and valid expression used to describe a situation where a feeling, action, or sentiment is impossible to return or match. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Though examples are somewhat limited, the phrase appears in reputable news sources and scientific publications. Consider context carefully when using "cannot be reciprocated", as the emotional weight can be significant. Alternative phrases, such as "cannot be returned" or "is unrequited", may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be returned

Replaces 'reciprocated' with 'returned', focusing on the lack of a returned action or feeling.

cannot be matched

Substitutes 'reciprocated' with 'matched', highlighting the inability to find an equal response.

is not reciprocated

Changes the structure to a passive voice, emphasizing the absence of reciprocation.

is unrequited

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective, 'unrequited', which often refers to love or affection.

remains unmatched

Highlights the state of being unequaled or not reciprocated.

does not receive a response

Focuses on the lack of any kind of reply or reaction.

finds no echo

Uses a metaphorical expression, suggesting that the action or feeling does not find a response or resonance.

is not answered

Emphasizes the lack of a response or reply to a specific action or feeling.

meets no return

Uses a more poetic or literary expression to indicate the absence of reciprocation.

goes unanswered

Suggests that a question or request is not addressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be reciprocated" to express that a feeling, action, or sentiment is not returned or matched by another. For example: "Her love for him was deep, but unfortunately, it "cannot be reciprocated"".

What can I say instead of "cannot be reciprocated"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be returned", "cannot be matched", or "is unrequited" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the love cannot be reciprocated" or "the love is not reciprocated"?

Both "the love cannot be reciprocated" and "the love is not reciprocated" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis. "Cannot be reciprocated" may imply a stronger sense of impossibility, while "is not reciprocated" is a more neutral statement.

When should I use "cannot be reciprocated" versus other similar phrases?

"Cannot be reciprocated" is suitable when you want to emphasize the impossibility or inability of a feeling, action, or sentiment to be returned. Other phrases might be more appropriate if you want to focus on the lack of response or an unequal exchange.