cannot be resurrected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be resurrected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing something that cannot be brought back to life, restored, or revived, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The ancient manuscript was so damaged that it cannot be resurrected, despite the best efforts of the restorers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Some pessimists, contradicting Mr. Greenspan, say the extraordinary sales of computers and communications equipment in the late 90's cannot be resurrected, now that the Internet and other electronic networks are largely in place.

The New York Times

Those who have died cannot be resurrected.

Huffington Post

Lost lives and limbs cannot be resurrected or reattached.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Well-known brands cannot always be resurrected with new management.

The New York Times

"An accused cannot be held in preventative custody on a speculative basis, namely that at some stage in the future the proceedings may be resurrected," the court said in a statement.

The Guardian

Could Polaroid be resurrected?

The New York Times

This policy could be resurrected.

The Guardian - Business

Could Soul City ever be resurrected?

The Guardian

The Midland name could now be resurrected.

The Guardian - Business

And that it can never be resurrected.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Will John Lennon be resurrected by genetic engineering?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cannot be resurrected", ensure the context clearly indicates what is permanently lost or irrecoverable. This phrase is most impactful when emphasizing the finality of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be resurrected" when describing temporary setbacks or challenges. This phrase implies a sense of finality and irreversibility, which may be inaccurate or overdramatic for recoverable situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be resurrected" functions as a declarative statement expressing the impossibility of restoring something to a previous state. Ludwig examples show usage in contexts ranging from sales figures to lost lives, illustrating a broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be resurrected" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey the impossibility of restoring something to a prior condition. While relatively infrequent, as confirmed by Ludwig, it finds use in diverse contexts, notably news, media, and scientific discourse. Ludwig examples illustrate its applicability to various subjects, from sales figures to lost lives. To maximize impact, use it when emphasizing irreversible changes, avoiding its application to temporary setbacks. Alternatives such as "cannot be revived" or "is irretrievable" may better suit certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be revived

Replaces "resurrected" with "revived", focusing on the impossibility of bringing something back to a functional state.

cannot be restored

Substitutes "resurrected" with "restored", highlighting the inability to return something to its original condition.

cannot be brought back to life

Replaces "resurrected" with a more literal phrase, emphasizing the impossibility of reversing death.

cannot be regenerated

Uses "regenerated" instead of "resurrected", suggesting that something's original state cannot be recovered.

is irretrievable

Employs "irretrievable" to indicate that something cannot be recovered or brought back.

is beyond recovery

Indicates that something's condition is too severe to be brought back to a good state.

is lost forever

Stresses the permanent nature of the loss, making any return impossible.

is irreversibly damaged

Highlights that the damage is too extensive for the original form to be recreated.

cannot be redeemed

Implies that a situation or entity is beyond saving or restoration.

is unrecoverable

Points out the impossibility of bringing something back to its former state.

FAQs

What does "cannot be resurrected" mean?

The phrase "cannot be resurrected" means something is permanently lost, irrecoverable, or impossible to bring back to its original state. It emphasizes the finality of a situation.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be resurrected"?

Use "cannot be resurrected" when highlighting the irreversible nature of a loss or change. It's suitable when emphasizing that something is beyond saving or restoration.

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

Alternatives include "cannot be revived", "cannot be restored", or "is irretrievable" depending on the specific context.

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

Example: "The ancient civilization's knowledge was so thoroughly destroyed that it "cannot be resurrected".