cannot be substituted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cannot be substituted' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something cannot be replaced or substituted with something else. For example: "Chocolate cake is my favorite dessert; it cannot be substituted with anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quality of life scales can be used to gauge overall well-being, but they cannot be substituted for a detailed evaluation of safety and tolerability.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Logistic regression equations, implying multiplicative relationships, cannot be substituted.

Columbia University

MAE 3100 cannot be substituted for CEE 3040.

Cornell University

That platitudes about personal responsibility and choice architecture cannot be substituted for real structural change.

The Guardian

Tasks that cannot be substituted by automation are generally complemented by it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The GRE exam is required and cannot be substituted with the GMAT.

Columbia University

Responsiveness and good corporate governance cannot be substituted by the best CSR initiatives.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Progesterone therefore cannot be substituted to βHCG for post-operative follow-up.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Confectionery companies have little choice but to continue buying hazelnuts because, in most cases, they cannot be substituted.

The Guardian

Membership in the German Labor Front cannot be substituted by memberships in professional, social political, industrial or ideological organizations.

Yale University

Residential college seminars cannot be substituted for electives and do not count toward the requirements of the major.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To reinforce the importance of something, follow the phrase "cannot be substituted" with an explanation of why it is irreplaceable. This provides context and highlights the unique qualities or role it plays.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be substituted" simply for emphasis. Instead, provide a concrete reason why the subject is irreplaceable to add credibility and clarity to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be substituted" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject is incapable of being replaced or exchanged by something else. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. Its use often highlights the unique or essential quality of the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

Academia

30%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be substituted" is a grammatically sound passive verb construction used to emphasize the unique and essential nature of something, indicating it's irreplaceable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered correct and usable in formal writing. This phrase sees frequent use in scientific, academic, and news contexts, highlighting its role in precise and formal communication. Related phrases include "is irreplaceable" and "cannot be replaced", offering similar semantic weight. When employing "cannot be substituted", it's crucial to justify why the subject is irreplaceable to enhance clarity and credibility. With widespread usage across various authoritative sources, this phrase stands as a robust tool for expressing irreplaceability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be replaced

Directly conveys the inability to find a replacement.

cannot be exchanged

Highlights the unsuitability of exchanging one thing for another.

is not interchangeable

Highlights the unique properties preventing substitution.

is irreplaceable

Emphasizes the unique and essential nature of something.

is indispensable

Highlights the necessity and crucial role of something.

is crucial

Highlights the critical nature of something.

is essential

Focuses on the importance and necessity of something.

is non-negotiable

Indicates something that is mandatory and unalterable.

must be retained

Stresses the need to keep something as is, without changes.

is paramount

Emphasizes the supreme importance of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be substituted" to emphasize the unique value or necessity of something. For example, "In this experiment, precise measurements "cannot be substituted" with estimations because accuracy is crucial."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be substituted"?

Some alternatives include "is irreplaceable", "is indispensable", or "cannot be replaced", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cannot be substituted" or "cannot be replaced"?

Both "cannot be substituted" and "cannot be replaced" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The best choice depends on the context and desired emphasis. "Cannot be substituted" might suggest a more formal or technical context.

What does it mean when something "cannot be substituted"?

When something ""cannot be substituted"", it means it is unique or essential in a way that nothing else can adequately replace it. Its specific qualities, role, or function are irreplaceable in that particular context.