cannot be repatriated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be repatriated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the inability to return someone or something to their country of origin, often in legal, financial, or immigration discussions. Example: "Due to the ongoing conflict, many refugees cannot be repatriated safely to their home countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

- The White House confirms suspicions that Guantánamo Bay detainees who cannot be repatriated may be held in mainland US facilities once the camp closes.

The Guardian

It gives express authorization to detain "beyond the removal period".... Congress, moreover, was well aware of the difficulties confronting aliens who are removable but who cannot be repatriated.

The New York Times

One category — detainees cleared for release who cannot be repatriated for their own safety — is on a path to extinction: allies have accepted 33, and just 22 await resettlement.

The New York Times

Congress' decision to ameliorate the condition of aliens subject to a final order of removal who cannot be repatriated, but who need not be detained, illustrates a balance in the statutory design.

The New York Times

Around two thirds of Apple's cash is held outside the US, and cannot be repatriated without a hefty tax bill – which limits the amount that can be returned to shareholders.

The Guardian - Tech

Many have been cleared by judges or by the department of defence of any wrongdoing but cannot be repatriated because they are either stateless or fear harm if they return to their home countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Spent fuel is also to be repatriated.

The Economist

He was among the last Germans to be repatriated.

The New York Times - Arts

He added that other divisions will also be repatriated.

The New York Times

Looted art, proved as stolen, must be repatriated.

The New York Times - Arts

The four will be repatriated to Cameroon's Limbe Animal Orphanage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or political situations where individuals are unable to return to their country, use "cannot be repatriated" to convey the complex reasons behind this inability, such as safety concerns or legal restrictions.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be repatriated" in casual conversations; opt for simpler phrases like "can't go back" or "can't be returned" for better clarity and appropriateness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be repatriated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the inability to return someone or something to their country of origin. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, especially in contexts involving legal, financial, or immigration discussions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be repatriated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the inability to return someone or something to their country of origin. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in formal contexts such as news reports, legal documents, and official statements. The phrase is particularly relevant when discussing refugees, detainees, or assets held abroad, where various legal, political, or safety factors prevent their return. While perfectly acceptable and clear in formal writing, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal settings. It's essential to consider the audience and context when deciding whether to use this phrase. Understanding the underlying reasons why someone or something "cannot be returned" is crucial for accurate and sensitive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to be returned

Replaces "cannot" with "unable", conveying a similar sense of impossibility but with a slightly different emphasis.

impossible to return

Emphasizes the impossibility of the return, strengthening the original meaning.

cannot be sent back

Uses a more direct and less formal synonym for "repatriated".

cannot be restored

Focuses on the impossibility of returning something to its original state or location.

cannot be sent home

Offers a simpler, more empathetic alternative, particularly when referring to people.

precluded from repatriation

Introduces a more formal and legalistic tone, emphasizing the prevention of repatriation.

barred from returning

Highlights the prohibition or legal impediment to returning.

prohibited from being returned

Emphasizes a formal or legal prohibition against the return.

incapable of being returned

Highlights the lack of ability or means to facilitate the return.

unreturnable

Uses a single word to express the impossibility of return, offering a concise alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be repatriated" to describe situations where someone or something is unable to return to their country of origin due to legal, political, or safety reasons. For instance, "Refugees from war-torn countries often "cannot be repatriated" until it is safe to do so".

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

Alternatives include "unable to be returned", "impossible to return", or "cannot be sent back", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "cannot be repatriated" formal or informal?

"Cannot be repatriated" is generally considered a formal phrase, often used in legal, political, or official contexts. Simpler alternatives are more appropriate for informal settings.

What factors lead to someone "cannot be repatriated"?

Several factors can lead to someone "cannot be repatriated", including political instability, ongoing conflict in their home country, legal restrictions, or concerns for their safety upon return.