cannot be repaired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be repaired" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: After the damage from the storm, the fence cannot be repaired.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Most of the damaged buildings cannot be repaired.

The New York Times

This damage cannot be repaired with half measures.

The New York Times

Some losses cannot be repaired, by magic or by music.

The Guardian - Film

"Some things cannot be repaired in hours," he said.

The Guardian

"Now manufacturers are creating products that cannot be repaired economically, or with sealed parts that cannot be repaired at all.

The Guardian - Money

The dishwasher is now broken, and the superintendent says it cannot be repaired.

The New York Times

Mr. Goldman said he rarely tells anyone that a set cannot be repaired.

The New York Times - Tech

Technicians believe that the system cannot be repaired until Saturday evening at the earliest.

The New York Times

The disk must be repaired, the computer says, but the disk cannot be repaired.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As you say, "this damage cannot be repaired with half measures".

The New York Times

The broken frame is a hazard, but it cannot be repaired until the claim is accepted.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be repaired" when you want to clearly communicate that something is damaged to the point of being unfixable and needs replacement or abandonment.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be repaired" for minor damages that could be easily fixed. Instead, use phrases like "needs a quick fix" or "requires maintenance" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be repaired" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of something as being beyond the possibility of restoration or fixing. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be repaired" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned way to express that something is beyond fixing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for use in written English. While versatile, it should be reserved for situations where the damage is genuinely irreparable. Occurring with roughly equal frequency in both news/media and scientific contexts, it is a useful phrase for conveying a sense of finality regarding the condition of an object, system or relationship. Consider alternatives like "is unfixable" or "is irreparable" if you are aiming to adjust the nuance. Overall, "cannot be repaired" is a clear and effective expression for irreversible damage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be fixed

A more general term for the inability to repair.

is beyond repair

Focuses on the condition of being irreparable.

is unfixable

Emphasizes the impossibility of fixing something.

is irreparable

Highlights the permanent nature of the damage.

cannot be salvaged

Indicates that nothing can be saved from the damaged item.

is not recoverable

Stresses the impossibility of regaining the original state.

cannot be restored

Emphasizes the inability to bring something back to its former condition.

is irreversibly damaged

Highlights that the damage is permanent and cannot be reversed.

is beyond mending

Suggests that the damage is too severe to be mended.

is unserviceable

Indicates that something is no longer fit for use or repair.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be repaired" to describe items, relationships, or systems that have suffered irreparable damage. For example, "The old car's engine "cannot be repaired", so we'll have to buy a new one."

What is a synonym for "cannot be repaired"?

Alternatives to "cannot be repaired" include phrases like "is unfixable", "is irreparable", or "is beyond repair", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "cannot be repaired" or "can't be repaired"?

"Cannot be repaired" is slightly more formal than "can't be repaired". Use "cannot be repaired" in formal writing and "can't be repaired" in more casual contexts.

When should I use "cannot be repaired" versus "cannot be fixed"?

"Cannot be fixed" is a more general term, while "cannot be repaired" implies a specific attempt to restore something to its original condition has failed or is impossible. While often interchangeable, "cannot be repaired" is more suitable for situations involving complex or technical items.