cannot be saved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be saved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is irretrievable or beyond recovery, such as data, relationships, or situations. Example: "The document was corrupted and unfortunately, it cannot be saved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

The Guardian

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each value in the table represents the cost saving or total cost under different scenarios, and "×" represents the cost that cannot be saved.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

They cannot be saved.

The Guardian

The present cannot be saved.

The New York Times - Arts

"The damaged reservoir cannot be saved".

The New York Times

Other locations simply cannot be saved.

The Guardian

So "Water Hole Rescue" cannot be saved, which is fine.

The New York Times

But some patients cannot be saved even with the best care, he said.

The New York Times - Health

Sometimes, however – without administration, or in spite of it – a business just cannot be saved.

The Guardian - Money

This is a company that cannot be saved without a lot of government help.

The New York Times

Dentists say that if a tooth cannot be saved, an implant is the next best thing.

The New York Times - Health

But what seems clear is that the salmon cannot be saved without breaching.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be saved", ensure the context clearly indicates what is irretrievable, whether it's a physical object, a situation, or an abstract concept. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be saved" in situations where a more nuanced or less absolute phrase would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or exaggerate the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be saved" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is in a state where rescue or preservation is impossible. Ludwig AI shows examples across various domains, demonstrating its widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be saved" is a versatile and widely used phrase for expressing the impossibility of rescuing or preserving something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific articles and everyday conversations. While many alternatives exist, such as "is irretrievable" or "is beyond repair", the choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. When using "cannot be saved", aim for clarity and avoid overuse in overly dramatic contexts to maintain a balanced and effective writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is irreparable

Highlights the inability to repair or fix something that is broken or damaged.

is beyond repair

Indicates that something is so damaged that it cannot be fixed.

is irretrievable

Focuses on the impossibility of recovering something lost or damaged, often referring to data or objects.

is unrecoverable

Stresses the impossibility of regaining something that has been lost, often referring to financial losses or data.

is unsalvageable

Emphasizes that something is so damaged that no part of it can be rescued or preserved.

is unpreservable

Highlights the impossibility of maintaining something in its original state.

is beyond redemption

Emphasizes a state of being irredeemable, suggesting a moral or spiritual dimension of impossibility of recovery.

is beyond hope

Suggests that there is no chance of improvement or recovery.

is a lost cause

Indicates that further effort is futile because the situation is hopeless.

is doomed

Implies a negative fate or outcome that cannot be avoided.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be saved" to describe something that is irretrievable, damaged beyond repair, or in a hopeless situation. For example, "The data was corrupted and "cannot be saved"" or "The relationship had deteriorated to a point where it "cannot be saved"".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be saved"?

Alternatives include "is irretrievable", "is irreparable", or "is beyond repair". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "can't be saved" instead of "cannot be saved"?

"Can't be saved" is a contraction of "cannot be saved" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. "Cannot be saved" is more formal and suitable for academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "cannot be saved" and "cannot be recovered"?

While both phrases convey a sense of loss, "cannot be saved" often implies a sense of rescue or prevention that was not possible. "Cannot be recovered" focuses more on the inability to regain something after it's lost. You may use "cannot be recovered" in the context of data for example.