cannot be surrendered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be surrendered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being declared as non-negotiable or not able to be given up or relinquished. Example: "The rights granted to the citizens cannot be surrendered under any circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This whole episode underlines why any criticism of the EU cannot be surrendered to the xenophobic, isolationist right.

The Guardian - Opinion

'I now have the honor to inform your Excellency that the King's government cannot depart from the principle established by our law, that our nationals cannot be surrendered to foreign powers.

Cornell University

Ultimately, the theocrats don't simply regard nuclear power as a prospective policy tool, but as a theological endorsement; as a vindication of their revolutionary project, as a minimum that cannot be surrendered.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This in-force profit will continue (annuities cannot be surrendered or cancelled), but without new annuity sales, the fall in share prices can be attributed to lower future growth prospects".

The Guardian - Business

"We hope there will be, on the part of our Muslim brothers and sisters," its authors write, "a growing awareness that fundamental liberties, the inviolable rights of the person, the equal dignity of man and woman, the democratic principle of government and the healthy lay character of the state are principles that cannot be surrendered".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Our tiny brothers and sisters, if they cannot be saved, will be surrendered to a merciful God.

The New York Times

Later, Oostende had to be surrendered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Islamic understanding man is suggested not be surrendered to the idea of unconditional predestination.

BMC Medical Ethics

The better term might be "surrender".

Forbes

"We can't be surrendering".

Los Angeles Times

On the record before us, we cannot say petitioner has rebutted the presumptions that estoppel applies and that the equivalents at issue have been surrendered.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be surrendered" to emphasize the absolute necessity of retaining something, such as rights, principles, or strategic assets. It communicates a firm stance against yielding or giving up under any circumstances.

Common error

While "cannot be surrendered" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make writing seem weak. Consider whether an active construction, such as "we must not surrender it", would be more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be surrendered" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating that something is impossible or impermissible to give up. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be surrendered" is a grammatically correct and usable passive construction that expresses a firm refusal to yield or give up something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in news and academic contexts and communicates a strong sense of non-negotiability. While its frequency is relatively rare, its meaning is clear and its usage is appropriate in formal settings. Consider using alternative phrases like "must not be yielded" or "cannot be relinquished" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not be yielded

Replaces "surrendered" with "yielded", implying a similar sense of unwillingness to concede.

cannot be relinquished

Substitutes "surrendered" with "relinquished", focusing on the act of formally giving something up.

cannot be conceded

Replaces "surrendered" with "conceded", emphasizing the act of acknowledging defeat or yielding a point.

must be retained

Uses "retained" instead of the negative construction, focusing on the necessity of keeping something.

should not be forfeited

Replaces "surrendered" with "forfeited", highlighting the potential loss of something valuable if given up.

is not to be given up

Rephrases the idea using a more explicit and emphatic tone.

is not subject to surrender

Emphasizes the inherent quality of something that makes it immune to being surrendered.

cannot be sacrificed

Replaces "surrendered" with "sacrificed", highlighting the potential loss or damage associated with giving something up.

cannot be compromised

Shifts the focus to the idea of protecting something from being weakened or diminished.

must not be abandoned

Replaces "surrendered" with "abandoned", emphasizing the act of leaving something behind or giving up on it.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be surrendered" to emphasize the non-negotiable nature of something. For example, "Fundamental rights "cannot be surrendered", even in times of crisis".

What phrases are similar to "cannot be surrendered"?

Similar phrases include "must not be yielded", "cannot be relinquished", and "cannot be conceded". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "cannot be surrendered" formal or informal?

"Cannot be surrendered" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for academic, news, and professional contexts.

Can "cannot be surrendered" be used in active voice?

While "cannot be surrendered" is in passive voice, you can rephrase it in active voice for a more direct tone. For example, instead of "The territory cannot be surrendered", you could say "We must not surrender the territory".