cannot be refused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be refused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is so compelling or necessary that it cannot be turned down or declined. Example: "The offer was so generous that it cannot be refused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

-- that favor cannot be refused.

The New York Times

Maternity services are considered "immediately necessary" and cannot be refused to anyone on costs grounds.

Independent

Let's see if someone makes an offer that cannot be refused.

The New York Times

If you are going to offer the public a commercial service – and B&Bs are a commercial service – then people cannot be refused that service on the grounds of sexuality.

The Guardian

GKN's impressive performance has been only slightly dimmed in the past week as investors have shied away from car shares in the wake of Ford's tyre problems, dragging GKN shares down by around 5%.Maybe one day somebody will make offers that cannot be refused for parts of GKN.

The Economist

In such cases, the information cannot be refused even if it is protected by intellectual-property rights, as Microsoft had argued.With its ruling, the court has set a precedent that means Windows is no longer simply private property with which Microsoft can do as it pleases.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

However, we cannot exclude that there are subtle ways of instruction that cannot easily be refused.

Unicef

The commission cannot exactly be refused, so Shag sets out to explore its potential as drama.

The New York Times

Organisations which cannot meet this obligation should be refused registration by the CQC.

The Guardian

The woman, who cannot be named, was refused an abortion when she demanded a termination at eight weeks, saying she was suicidal.

The Guardian

The counter argument to this is that, because death is not the intended outcome, an AD is not euthanasia by omission: a treatment that provides/maintains an acceptable QOL is wanted, and if therapy cannot achieve this then it is refused.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be refused" to convey a strong sense of obligation or inevitability. This implies that declining is virtually impossible or highly inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be refused" in very informal contexts, as it can sound overly formal or even slightly aggressive. Opt for a more relaxed phrasing when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be refused" functions as a modal phrase expressing a strong sense of obligation or inevitability. It indicates that an offer, request, or requirement is so compelling that declining it is practically impossible or highly inappropriate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be refused" is a grammatically correct modal phrase that conveys a strong sense of obligation or inevitability. While not extremely common, it is readily understood and accepted in professional and formal contexts according to Ludwig AI. When writing or speaking, it is important to consider the level of formality required and avoid overuse in casual conversations. Consider alternatives like "is unavoidable", "must be accepted", or "is irresistible" for increased flexibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unavoidable

Replaces the modal verb construction with a simple adjective, emphasizing lack of alternatives.

must be accepted

Focuses on the obligation to accept, rather than the impossibility of refusal.

is non-negotiable

Highlights the inflexibility of a demand or offer.

is mandatory

Emphasizes the required nature of something, implying no option to refuse.

is compulsory

Similar to mandatory, stresses the required nature of the action or object.

is obligatory

Stresses a moral or legal requirement.

is irresistible

Shifts focus to the compelling nature of something, making refusal difficult.

leaves no choice

Emphasizes the absence of alternative options.

is a must

Informal expression indicating something essential or required.

is set in stone

Highlights that something is unchangeable or irrevocable.

FAQs

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

The phrase "cannot be refused" indicates something is so compelling or necessary that it cannot be turned down. For example, "The offer was so generous that it cannot be refused."

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

You can use alternatives like "is unavoidable", "must be accepted", or "is irresistible", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "cannot be refused" and "should not be refused"?

"Cannot be refused" implies an impossibility or extreme difficulty in declining, while "should not be refused" suggests it would be inappropriate or unwise to decline but doesn't eliminate the option.

Is "cannot be refused" formal or informal?

The phrase "cannot be refused" leans towards the formal side. In less formal situations, alternatives such as "is a must" or "leaves no choice" might be more suitable.