cannot be touched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be touched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is intangible, inaccessible, or not physically manipulable. Example: "The concept of true love is often seen as something that cannot be touched, yet it profoundly affects our lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We cannot be touched".

The New York Times

Pensions are inflexible products which cannot be touched for decades.

The Economist

The main budget cannot be touched any more.

The Guardian

But your money is protected -- and cannot be touched by your bankrupt employer.

The New York Times

Now, some of these fronts are landmarked and cannot be touched.

The New York Times

Nearly 60percentt of the budget cannot be touched, under orders from the people.

The New York Times

The 35% paid in as individual contributions cannot be touched but the rest can be forfeit.

The Guardian

"What has happened is that my music-making has deepened, and that cannot be touched".

The New York Times - Arts

Civil law, following Roman, has tended to deny the possibility of legal possession of anything that cannot be touched.

Britannica

Nearly 90percentt of his budget goes to salaries and benefits and cannot be touched because of contracts.

The New York Times

"We cannot accept the idea that masterpieces cannot be touched," said Ms. Petrioli, who uses her maiden name.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be touched" in writing, consider whether a more precise term like "inviolable" or "unassailable" might better convey your intended meaning. The phrase is versatile but can sometimes lack specificity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be touched" in contexts where literal physical interaction is expected but impossible due to simple distance or obstruction. This phrase implies a deeper, often legal or ethical, prohibition rather than a mere physical barrier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be touched" primarily functions as a passive construction, often used to express that something is protected, inviolable, or inaccessible. As Ludwig AI states, it is used to describe something that is intangible, inaccessible, or not physically manipulable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be touched" is a versatile and commonly used expression that conveys a sense of inaccessibility, protection, or inviolability. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, from formal legal and financial discussions to more general news reporting and scientific analyses. While the phrase is typically neutral in tone, it carries a strong implication of a boundary or restriction that should not be violated. When writing, it's important to consider whether "cannot be touched" is the most precise term for the intended meaning, or if a synonym like "unassailable" or "inviolable" might be more appropriate. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "cannot be touched" ensures its effective and appropriate use in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is untouchable

Focuses more directly on the state of being immune to harm or influence.

is unassailable

Emphasizes the strength and impregnability of something, making it impossible to attack or challenge.

is invulnerable

Highlights the inability to be wounded or harmed, often used in a figurative sense.

is out of reach

Indicates that something is inaccessible, either physically or metaphorically.

is beyond reach

Similar to "out of reach" but may imply a greater degree of inaccessibility.

is off-limits

Suggests that something is forbidden or prohibited from being accessed.

is sacrosanct

Implies that something is sacred and must not be violated or interfered with.

is inviolable

Stresses that something must not be profaned or violated.

is immune to

Highlights a resistance or protection against something.

is impervious to

Emphasizes the inability to be affected or penetrated by something.

FAQs

What does "cannot be touched" mean?

The phrase "cannot be touched" generally means something is inaccessible, either physically or metaphorically. It often implies a prohibition, legal restriction, or inherent invulnerability.

What can I say instead of "cannot be touched"?

You can use alternatives like "is untouchable", "is unassailable", or "is invulnerable" depending on the context.

Is "cannot be touched" formal or informal?

"Cannot be touched" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but more formal synonyms like "inviolable" may be preferable in academic or legal writing.

How to use "cannot be touched" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be touched" to describe assets protected by law (e.g., "The endowment cannot be touched"), abstract concepts (e.g., "Their bond cannot be touched"), or physical objects that are off-limits (e.g., "The exhibit cannot be touched").