cannot be sold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be sold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is not able to be purchased. For example, "This painting is truly unique and therefore cannot be sold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Voters cannot be sold technicalities.

The Economist

"It also cannot be sold.

Independent

They cannot be sold privately.

The Economist

"There are things that cannot be sold.

The Guardian - Sport

Drugs that cannot be sold legally without a prescription.

Harvard University

Acid cannot be sold over the counter anymore.

The New York Times

These cannot be sold or rented out for 10 years.

The Guardian

The shares cannot be sold or transferred until January 2014.

The New York Times

That means the surplus wines cannot be sold abroad.

The New York Times

The vaccine is not yet licensed and cannot be sold.

The New York Times - Health

Healthcare cannot be sold like an iPad or a TV.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be sold", ensure the context clearly indicates why the item is not for sale, such as legal restrictions, quality issues, or ethical considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be sold" in overly broad contexts without specifying the limitations. For instance, instead of saying "Ideas cannot be sold", clarify by saying "Ideas cannot be sold without proper intellectual property protection."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be sold" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject is unable to be sold. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase used in various contexts, such as legal restrictions or product defects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be sold" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating that something is restricted from sale due to various reasons, including legal, ethical, or practical limitations. As Ludwig AI examples demonstrate, it appears frequently in news, academic, and general contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse communication needs. When employing this phrase, it's essential to provide context to clarify why the subject "cannot be sold". Alternatives such as "is not for sale" or "is unsellable" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not for sale

Emphasizes that something is not available for purchase.

is forbidden to be sold

Implies a strict or absolute ban on selling the item.

is prohibited from being sold

Specifies a formal or legal restriction on selling the item.

is unsellable

Describes something that is impossible or very difficult to sell.

is restricted from sale

Indicates limitations or conditions on the sale of something.

is not marketable

Indicates that there is no market or demand for the item.

is not authorized for sale

Emphasizes that selling the item lacks official approval or permission.

cannot be commercialized

Focuses on the inability to turn something into a commercial product.

is ineligible for sale

Suggests that something does not meet the requirements to be sold.

is non-transferable

Highlights that ownership or rights cannot be transferred through a sale.

FAQs

What does "cannot be sold" mean?

The phrase "cannot be sold" means that something is not allowed or able to be exchanged for money or other valuable consideration. This could be due to legal restrictions, ethical reasons, or inherent properties of the item.

What are some alternatives to "cannot be sold"?

You can use alternatives such as "is not for sale", "is unsellable", or "is not marketable" depending on the context.

In what situations would something "cannot be sold"?

Something might "cannot be sold" if it is illegal to sell (like certain drugs), if it is ethically wrong to sell (like human organs), or if it has a defect that makes it "unsellable" (like a contaminated food product).

Is there a legal implication when something "cannot be sold"?

Yes, there often are legal implications. If a product or item "cannot be sold" due to legal restrictions, selling it could result in fines, penalties, or even criminal charges.