cannot be replaced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be replaced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is irreplaceable or unique in its value or function. Example: "This antique vase is so special that it cannot be replaced, no matter how much money you offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"He cannot be replaced".

The New York Times

She cannot be replaced.

The New York Times

Your friendship cannot be replaced.

The New York Times

That friend cannot be replaced.

The New York Times - Sports

"These things cannot be replaced," she said.

The New York Times

But some things cannot be replaced.

The New York Times - Tech

Never pack anything that cannot be replaced.

The New York Times - Travel

Government cannot be replaced by charities or volunteers.

The New York Times

That cannot be replaced by Champions League games, I'm afraid.

The Guardian - Sport

Her presence will be sorely missed and cannot be replaced.

The New York Times

He will be missed and cannot be replaced.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be replaced" to emphasize the unique value or function of something that cannot be adequately substituted or replicated. This phrase adds weight and importance to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be replaced" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "irreplaceable" or "unique" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be replaced" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is irreplaceable or lacks a suitable substitute. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly highlights the unique value or essential nature of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be replaced" is a versatile expression used to convey the irreplaceability or unique value of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Alternatives such as "is irreplaceable" or "has no equal" offer similar meanings. To ensure effective communication, remember that overuse of the phrase can diminish its impact. Instead, consider using varied language and synonyms. Use "cannot be replaced" when you want to emphasize the singular value or function of something that cannot be adequately substituted or replicated, adding weight and importance to your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is irreplaceable

Replaces the passive voice structure with a direct adjective, emphasizing the quality of being impossible to replace.

is non-replaceable

Directly states that the subject cannot be exchanged or substituted with something else.

is impossible to substitute

Focuses on the impossibility of finding an adequate substitute for the subject.

is unique and essential

Highlights both the uniqueness and the importance of the subject, suggesting it holds a critical role.

has no equal

Emphasizes the unmatched quality of the subject, suggesting nothing can compare to it.

cannot be duplicated

Focuses on the impossibility of creating an exact copy or replica.

is one of a kind

Indicates the subject is unique and without any similar counterparts.

is unmatched

Highlights the superior quality or performance of the subject compared to others.

is unparalleled

Emphasizes that the subject is beyond comparison, setting it apart in terms of excellence.

defies substitution

Implies that any attempt to replace the subject would be unsuccessful due to its intrinsic qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be replaced" to describe something with unique value or importance. For example, "The original manuscript "cannot be replaced" due to its historical significance."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be replaced"?

Alternatives include "is irreplaceable", "is unique", or "has no equal". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cannot be replaced" or "is irreplaceable"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "is irreplaceable" is more concise. "Cannot be replaced" emphasizes the action that cannot occur, while "is irreplaceable" focuses on the inherent quality of the subject.

What does it mean when something "cannot be replaced"?

It signifies that the item, person, or quality is so unique or valuable that there is no equivalent substitute. Its loss would be deeply felt and likely permanent.