cannot be severed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be severed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is inseparable or cannot be divided or disconnected. Example: "The bond between them is so strong that it cannot be severed, no matter the circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"The story of who I am cannot be severed from the story of the flatlands".

The New York Times

Of course, so-called facts and their constitutional significance may be so blended that they cannot be severed in consideration.

Cornell University

Mike and I feel very much like twinned souls; we have a fundamental connection that cannot be severed".

Independent

Marriage cannot be severed from its cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening the good influence of society.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Kennedy was right: families cannot be severed from connection with communities, with their schools and churches and jobs and with their drug dealers, liquor stores and gangs.

The New York Times - Books

Judge Vinson acknowledged that he was deviating from this practice, but he argued that this is an atypical case in which the individual mandate is so "inextricably bound" to the remaining provisions that it cannot be severed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

That trip-wire cannot be avoided or ignored; it can only be severed at the source.

Huffington Post

There are no limbs to be severed.

The New York Times - Arts

Leave and your connections to the source will be severed.

The New Yorker

"These links would be severed".

Science Magazine

The proverbial "Gordian Knot" can be severed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be severed", ensure the context clearly establishes what two entities or concepts are being described as inseparable. For instance, "The link between cause and effect cannot be severed."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be severed" when a weaker connection or influence is more appropriate. Overstating the inseparability can diminish the credibility of your argument; make sure the bond is truly unbreakable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be severed" functions as a descriptor indicating an unbreakable or inseparable relationship. It's used to emphasize the impossibility of detaching or dividing two or more connected entities or concepts. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be severed" is a grammatically sound way to express that something is fundamentally inseparable or unbreakable, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, with notable usage in academic and scientific writing. To ensure accurate and impactful communication, use this phrase when highlighting truly unbreakable connections, and be mindful of overstating weaker relationships. Alternatives like "cannot be detached" or "is inextricably linked" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be detached

Replaces "severed" with "detached", focusing on the inability to remove or disconnect something.

cannot be separated

Uses "separated" instead of "severed", emphasizing the impossibility of dividing or splitting something.

cannot be disconnected

Substitutes "severed" with "disconnected", highlighting the inability to break a connection or link.

cannot be undone

Focuses on the permanence of a bond or action, suggesting it cannot be reversed or nullified.

cannot be broken

Emphasizes the strength and resilience of a bond or connection, indicating it cannot be fractured or destroyed.

cannot be dissolved

Highlights the inability to break down or terminate an agreement, partnership or union.

cannot be disrupted

Stresses the inability to interrupt or disturb a connection or process.

cannot be fragmented

Focuses on the impossibility of breaking something into smaller pieces.

is inextricably linked

Shifts the structure to an active voice, emphasizing the inseparable connection between two things.

is permanently attached

Highlights the lasting and unbreakable nature of an attachment.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be severed" to express that a bond, link, or relationship is unbreakable and inseparable. For example, "The connection between their fates "cannot be severed", no matter what happens."

What does "cannot be severed" mean?

It means something is so deeply connected that it cannot be separated or disconnected. It implies a strong, unbreakable link.

What are some alternatives to "cannot be severed"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be detached", "cannot be separated", or "is inextricably linked" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "can't be severed" is a contraction of "cannot be severed" and is perfectly acceptable, especially in informal contexts. "Cannot be severed" is more formal.