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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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cannot be shared

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be shared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is not allowed to be distributed or disclosed to others. Example: "Due to confidentiality agreements, this information cannot be shared with anyone outside the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The burden of the self, Appelfeld suggests, cannot be shared.

Group, and national, leadership cannot be shared or shifted.

News & Media

The New York Times

Their best zingers cannot be shared here, because the Stanzis are a particularly foulmouthed family.

News & Media

The New York Times

The loneliness is the worst, because this knowledge is something that cannot be shared, only suffered.

News & Media

The New York Times

As a result, Kindle content cannot be shared like a physical book".

Tax revenues cannot be shared between school districts without state legislation, county officials say.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Obviously, something that is private property cannot be shared with others.

News & Media

The New York Times

The burdens that weigh heavy on the souls of great men cannot be shared.

Because the Godhead is unique, it cannot be shared or communicated.

Encyclopedias

Britannica

It is by its very nature a perception that cannot be shared with other people.

Works that cannot be shared openly online should not be uploaded to Academic Commons.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be shared", ensure the reason for the restriction is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it's due to confidentiality, legal reasons, or company policy.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be shared" without specifying the context or limitations. Instead of saying "This data cannot be shared", specify "This data cannot be shared outside the research team due to privacy regulations."

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be shared" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing prohibition or impossibility regarding the act of sharing something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used to indicate that something should not be distributed or disclosed. The phrase combines the modal verb 'cannot' with the passive form 'be shared'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

29%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Unknown/unmatched sources

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be shared" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is not allowed to be distributed or disclosed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. The phrase is versatile, but clarity is key: always specify the reason for the restriction to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "must not be distributed" or "is not allowed to be disclosed" exist, "cannot be shared" remains a direct and widely understood way to convey this message.

More alternative expressions(6)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not be distributed

Emphasizes a prohibition against distribution, often due to policy or regulation. The focus is on the act of distributing.

is not allowed to be disclosed

Highlights the lack of permission for disclosure, typically in a formal or official setting. It focuses on the authorization aspect.

is prohibited from being disseminated

Indicates a formal ban on spreading information or material. It carries a stronger sense of restriction and authority.

is not permitted for circulation

Focuses on the lack of authorization for something to circulate, often used in business or official contexts. It emphasizes the act of circulating.

should not be revealed

Suggests that something ought not to be revealed, often implying a moral or ethical consideration. It's less forceful than a strict prohibition.

is not for public consumption

Indicates that something is intended for a limited audience, not for the general public. It emphasizes the intended audience.

is restricted from wider access

Highlights that access is limited and not freely available to everyone. It emphasizes the limitations on access.

is kept confidential

Implies that information is deliberately maintained in secrecy. This suggests a proactive effort to avoid sharing.

remains private

Indicates that the information is intended to be personal and not for wider distribution. This suggests inherent privacy.

is not for release

Emphasizes that something is not ready or authorized to be released to the public or specific recipients. It focuses on the timing and authorization of release.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be shared" to indicate that something is not allowed to be distributed or disclosed, as in "This document "cannot be shared" with external parties".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be shared"?

Alternatives include "must not be distributed", "is not allowed to be disclosed", or "is prohibited from being disseminated", depending on the context and the degree of formality.

Is it better to say "cannot be shared" or "should not be shared"?

"Cannot be shared" implies a strict prohibition, while "should not be shared" suggests a recommendation against sharing. The choice depends on whether the restriction is mandatory or advisory.

What's the difference between "cannot be shared" and "cannot be communicated"?

"Cannot be shared" generally refers to physical or digital distribution, while "cannot be communicated" refers to conveying information through any means, including verbal or written communication.

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Most frequent sentences: