cannot be repeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cannot be repeated' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something can not be done more than once. For example: "Using the same password over and over again is a mistake that cannot be repeated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It cannot be repeated".

The New York Times

Something that cannot be repeated.

The Guardian - Sport

That unfortunate history cannot be repeated.

The New York Times

Other terms cannot be repeated here.

The New York Times

Many of the comments cannot be repeated for obvious reasons.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It also showed that the past cannot be repeated.

The New York Times - Arts

That is a mistake that cannot be repeated.

The Guardian - Opinion

The gist of Moss's best material cannot be repeated here.

The New York Times - Sports

That effect cannot be repeated again and again.

The Economist

The one-word subtitle of Volume 1 cannot be repeated here.

The New York Times

"That scheduling issue has to be sorted and cannot be repeated," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be repeated" to clearly indicate that a specific action, event, or situation should not occur again due to its negative consequences or unique nature.

Common error

While grammatically sound, overusing "cannot be repeated" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler phrases like "shouldn't happen again" or "let's not do that again" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be repeated" functions primarily as a passive construction expressing impossibility or strong prohibition against recurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples show its application in various contexts, from preventing errors to acknowledging unique historical moments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be repeated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression signifying that something should not, or is impossible to, occur again. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds common application across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic content, generally maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, it's important to consider the register and choose simpler alternatives in informal settings. Related phrases offer varying degrees of emphasis, allowing for nuanced expression. By understanding its function and typical usage, writers can effectively employ "cannot be repeated" to convey the importance of preventing recurrence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot happen again

Directly states the impossibility of a future occurrence, offering a straightforward alternative.

is unrepeatable

Emphasizes the uniqueness and singularity of an event, highlighting its inability to be replicated.

cannot be reproduced

Highlights the impossibility of recreating something, often in scientific or artistic contexts.

must not recur

Emphasizes prevention and prohibition of a recurring event, conveying a stronger sense of avoidance.

should not be replicated

Focuses on avoiding duplication, particularly in the context of experiments or processes.

must not be duplicated

Similar to 'should not be replicated' but with a stronger emphasis on prohibition.

should not be reenacted

Applies specifically to events or performances, indicating that a past scenario should not be recreated.

must not be perpetuated

Focuses on stopping the continuation of something, often a negative situation or behavior.

cannot be reiterated

Focuses on the fact that something should not be said again, usually because it is already known or inappropriate.

will not be relived

Implies an unwillingness to experience something again, particularly a negative event or trauma.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be repeated" to emphasize that an action or event should not happen again. For example, "That mistake "cannot be repeated"."

What phrases are similar to "cannot be repeated"?

Similar phrases include "cannot be reproduced", "will not happen again", and "must not recur".

Is it better to say "cannot be repeated" or "should not be repeated"?

"Cannot be repeated" implies an impossibility, while "should not be repeated" suggests a strong recommendation against recurrence. The choice depends on whether you're stating a fact or expressing a preference.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be repeated" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "cannot be repeated" in formal writing, reports, or when emphasizing the importance of preventing something from happening again. However, in casual settings, simpler alternatives might be more suitable.