cannot be stopped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be stopped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unstoppable or inevitable, often in a dramatic or emphatic context. Example: "The wildfire spread rapidly through the forest and seemed to be a force that cannot be stopped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot be stopped.

The New York Times - Magazine

The revolution cannot be stopped".

The New Yorker

In other words, droughts cannot be stopped.

The New York Times

"Some things cannot be stopped," she says.

The Guardian - Film

These missiles cannot be stopped once fired.

The New York Times

Disease cannot be stopped at the border.

The New York Times

Because music cannot be stopped, cannot be contained".

The New York Times

Disapprove, if you like, but Downton cannot be stopped.

Independent

But illicit arms trading cannot be stopped overnight.

Independent

This will become a worldwide movement that cannot be stopped.

The Guardian

Many Democrats fear that Trumpism cannot be stopped.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be stopped" to convey a sense of inevitability or overwhelming force. It is particularly effective in persuasive writing or when emphasizing the futility of resistance.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be stopped" in everyday conversation where a simpler, less dramatic phrase would suffice. Overusing it can make your speech sound theatrical or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be stopped" functions as a modal construction expressing impossibility. It combines the negative form of the modal verb 'can' with the passive voice of the verb 'stop', indicating that an action or event is impossible to prevent or cease. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be stopped" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey inevitability or the impossibility of preventing something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used. Analysis of various sources shows it's commonly found in news and media, academia, and formal business contexts. Alternatives like "is inevitable" or "cannot be prevented" can be used to diversify your writing. When using this phrase, consider the context to avoid sounding overly dramatic in informal settings. The phrase serves to emphasize the futility of resistance or the certainty of an outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inevitable

Replaces the modal verb construction with a simple statement of inevitability.

is unavoidable

Substitutes 'stopped' with 'avoided', focusing on the impossibility of evasion.

cannot be prevented

Shifts focus to the impossibility of preventing the action.

is bound to happen

Emphasizes the certainty and predictability of the event.

will certainly occur

Focuses on the certainty of the event taking place.

is sure to come to pass

A more formal and emphatic way of saying something will happen.

is inexorable

Uses a more formal term to describe the relentless and unstoppable nature.

is a foregone conclusion

Highlights that the outcome is already determined.

is like a force of nature

Compares the event to a natural phenomenon that is beyond human control.

is set in stone

Emphasizes the unchangeable and irreversible nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be stopped" to emphasize that something is inevitable or impossible to prevent. For example, "The momentum of the movement "cannot be stopped"."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be stopped"?

Alternatives include "is inevitable", "is unavoidable", or "cannot be prevented", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "cannot be stopped" or "cannot be halted"?

Both are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Cannot be stopped" might suggest a more forceful or continuous action, while "cannot be halted" implies a more abrupt cessation that is impossible to achieve.

What's the difference between "cannot be stopped" and "will not be stopped"?

"Cannot be stopped" emphasizes an inherent impossibility, while "will not be stopped" expresses a strong determination or refusal to be stopped. The former suggests an objective limitation, the latter a subjective intention.