cannot be reused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be reused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not able to be used again or repurposed after its initial use. Example: "This packaging is made from biodegradable materials, but once opened, it cannot be reused."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Moreover, existing implementations of semantics for the original grammar cannot be reused directly.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

This is when patients phone to cancel but leave it so late that an appointment cannot be reused.

The Guardian

Biofuel produces waste that cannot be reused and requires more oil changes, bringing its own environmental cost.

The Guardian

The phones that cannot be reused are stripped of parts, and the shells sold to a recycler who extracts metals.

The New York Times - Tech

Parts that cannot be reused by the remanufacturer enter the waste stream, examination of which reveals insights about remanufacture difficulties.

CIRP Annals

It could also provide savings to restaurant owners, many of whom rely on private disposal services to haul away frying oil that cannot be reused, he said.

The New York Times

Instead, the payee receives a one-use "token", which allows them to debit the payment but cannot be reused in future.

The Guardian - Tech

Any item marked with the symbol above indicates that it cannot be reused under any circumstances and to do so would be to contravene medical device regulations.

Nature

When I lost my Android phone (on Sprint) recently they marked it stolen; now the phone cannot be reused and the street value should be zero.

The New York Times

The movement of nutrients through the biosphere is different from the transfer of energy because, whereas energy flows through the biosphere and cannot be reused, elements are recycled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The city's Environmental Protection Department said that whatever cannot be reused as fuel, mulch or landfill cover would most likely be burned at Floyd Bennett Field.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about environmental topics, use "cannot be reused" to accurately describe materials that contribute to waste and pollution due to their inability to be repurposed.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be reused" and "cannot be recycled" interchangeably. "Cannot be reused" means something cannot be used again in its current form for the same purpose, while "cannot be recycled" means it can't be broken down and made into something new. Something might not be reusable but still recyclable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be reused" functions as a passive construction indicating the inability or impossibility of using something again. It typically appears as part of a larger statement describing properties of objects, processes, or resources. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be reused" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is not suitable for repeated use. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to convey that an item has a limited lifespan for the original purpose, and is often found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When writing, remember that "cannot be recycled" is a related but distinct term. Consider using synonyms like "is not reusable" for variety. By understanding the nuances of "cannot be reused", writers can ensure clarity and accuracy in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not reusable

Emphasizes the inherent property of an item that prevents it from being used again.

is disposable

Suggests an item is intended to be thrown away after a single use.

cannot be recycled

Focuses specifically on the inability to process something for reuse as raw material.

cannot be repurposed

Highlights that an item's original design prevents a user to repurpose it.

is for single use only

Highlights that an item is designed and intended to be used only once.

cannot be employed again

A more formal way of saying something can't be used in the same way.

is non-renewable

Focuses on resources that cannot be replenished or used repeatedly.

is not recoverable

Implies that something is lost or damaged beyond the point of being able to be retrieved and used again.

is unserviceable

Indicates that something is broken or damaged and no longer fit for use.

is not sustainable

Highlights that a resource is used and cannot be reused with the current approach.

FAQs

What does "cannot be reused" mean?

The phrase "cannot be reused" indicates that something is not suitable or designed for repeated use after its initial application. It implies that the item or resource has reached the end of its usable life for its original purpose and is typically discarded or processed as waste.

What are some synonyms for "cannot be reused"?

Alternatives to "cannot be reused" include "is not reusable", "is disposable", "is for single use only", or "cannot be recycled" depending on the context.

How is "cannot be reused" different from "cannot be recycled"?

"Cannot be reused" means an item can't be used again for the same purpose without significant alteration. "Cannot be recycled" means it can't be broken down and remade into new materials. An item that "cannot be reused" might still "cannot be recycled".

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

You can use "cannot be reused" to describe items or materials that are not designed for multiple uses. For example, "This type of plastic is brittle and therefore it "cannot be reused" after its initial application."