cannot be rediscovered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be rediscovered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is lost or forgotten and cannot be found or brought back again. Example: "The ancient civilization's secrets cannot be rediscovered, as all evidence of their existence has been erased over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

They just waited long enough to be rediscovered".

The New Yorker

Yet cultural knowledge can in some cases be rediscovered.

The New York Times

The art of regulation needs to be rediscovered.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now this revolution needs to be rediscovered on several continents.

Forbes

What makes a species likely to be rediscovered?

Science Magazine

Will it be rediscovered?

Huffington Post

The Clippers defense needs to be rediscovered.

Los Angeles Times

Although there is not much to be found that is new, poverty continues to be rediscovered".

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Despite fame during his lifetime, Arcimboldi was soon forgotten to be rediscovered in our times.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Desert Bus had been rediscovered.

The New Yorker

Three years ago, she was rediscovered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be rediscovered" when emphasizing the impossibility of finding or understanding something that was once known but is now lost to time or circumstance.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be rediscovered" for situations where something is temporarily lost or forgotten. It is more appropriate for things that are permanently irrecoverable, such as lost civilizations or extinct languages.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be rediscovered" functions as a passive construction expressing impossibility. It indicates that an action (rediscovering) is not possible to perform on a particular subject. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be rediscovered" is grammatically sound, used to express the impossibility of finding or understanding something again. While correct, Ludwig shows that actual examples of this phrase are rare, suggesting it's best suited for formal contexts where emphasizing permanent loss is key. Consider using alternatives like "cannot be found again" or "is lost forever" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be found again

Focuses on the impossibility of locating something that has been lost.

cannot be recovered

Emphasizes the inability to retrieve or regain something.

cannot be restored

Highlights the impossibility of returning something to its original state.

cannot be retrieved

Focuses on the inability to access or obtain something.

is irretrievably lost

Highlights the complete and irreversible loss of something.

cannot be unearthed

Focuses on the inability to discover something that is hidden or buried.

is lost forever

Highlights the permanent loss of something.

cannot be brought back

Focuses on the impossibility of returning something to a previous condition or state.

cannot be resurrected

Emphasizes the impossibility of bringing something back to life or prominence.

cannot be reclaimed

Emphasizes the inability to regain possession of something.

FAQs

How to use "cannot be rediscovered" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to emphasize that something is permanently lost and impossible to find or understand again. For example: "The secrets of that civilization "cannot be rediscovered"."

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

You can use alternatives like "cannot be found again", "cannot be recovered", or "is lost forever" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "cannot be rediscovered" in a casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "cannot be rediscovered" is quite formal. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "it's gone forever" or "it's lost" might be more fitting.

What is the difference between "cannot be rediscovered" and "has not been rediscovered yet"?

"Cannot be rediscovered" implies a permanent state of loss, suggesting that finding or understanding something is impossible. "Has not been rediscovered yet" suggests that it is still possible to find or understand something in the future.