cannot be sold through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be sold through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying that a product or service is not available for purchase via a certain method or channel. Example: "This product cannot be sold through online marketplaces due to licensing restrictions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Health plans cannot be sold through the Connector unless they receive its seal of approval.

The New York Times - Health

And for the first time it published detailed guidelines explaining how it decides what programs can and cannot be sold through its App Store.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The initiative, introduced through the Localism Act, means a pub cannot be sold on without local drinkers being given up to six months to try to buy it.

Independent

About one-fourth of the land is arable and is held in traditional family patterns; land ownership is passed down through family lines, and, by law, land cannot be sold to foreigners.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

Once sold, after all, an asset cannot be sold again.

The New York Times

Acid cannot be sold over the counter anymore.

The New York Times

These cannot be sold or rented out for 10 years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be sold through" when you want to clearly state that a product or service has specific restrictions on its distribution channels.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on the passive voice can make your writing sound less direct. Consider using active voice constructions when possible for a more engaging tone. For example, instead of saying "the product cannot be sold through retailers", you could write "retailers cannot sell the product."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be sold through" functions as a passive construction indicating a restriction or prohibition on the distribution or sale of something via a specified channel. It emphasizes the limitations placed on how a product or service can reach consumers. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be sold through" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate restrictions on the channels through which a product or service can be sold. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. While the phrase appears less frequently, it is found in a variety of reliable sources, primarily news and media, science and business. When using this phrase, ensure that you're clearly communicating a limitation on distribution channels. Consider using active voice where appropriate for greater impact. Alternatives like "is not available for purchase via" or "is prohibited from being sold via" can also be used. The key is to be clear about the restrictions and the reasons behind them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is prohibited from being sold via

Emphasizes the legal restriction on sales through a specific medium.

is barred from being sold via

Emphasizes the legal or regulatory barring on sales through a specific medium.

is not available for purchase via

Specifies unavailability for purchase through a particular channel.

is excluded from distribution via

Highlights the exclusion from distribution through a specific medium.

is not distributed via

Focuses on the lack of distribution through a specific medium.

is not obtainable through

Highlights the inaccessibility of obtaining something via a specific method.

is not marketed through

Emphasizes the absence of marketing efforts via a certain channel.

is not channeled through

Focuses on the lack of channeling or directing something through a particular avenue.

is exclusively available at

Highlights exclusivity rather than prohibition, implying indirect restriction.

is restricted to

Focuses on the limited availability through specific outlets.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "cannot be sold through" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "is prohibited from distribution via", "is restricted to authorized channels", or "is exclusively available at".

What's a simpler way to say "cannot be sold through"?

Simpler alternatives include "isn't available at", "isn't sold at", or "can't be found at" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "cannot be sold through" and "is not sold through"?

While similar, "cannot be sold through" implies a restriction or prohibition, whereas "is not sold through" simply states a fact without necessarily implying a rule. The first suggests a reason why it isn't sold through a channel, while the second doesn't.

What are some situations where I might use "cannot be sold through"?

This phrase is useful when discussing licensing agreements, legal restrictions, or exclusive distribution deals that limit where a product or service can be sold. For example, "this software "cannot be sold through" unauthorized resellers".