cannot be traded

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot be traded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when it is necessary to describe something specific that cannot be exchanged. For example: "These antique books are of great value and cannot be traded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Our olive groves are a legacy that cannot be traded.

The Guardian

The waiver claim and Damon's decision means he cannot be traded the rest of this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Because WaveCrest is a private entity however, the options cannot be traded.

The New York Times

Again, shares cannot be traded by the investor until they have been notified of their allocation.

The Guardian - Money

Human rights and climate change cannot be traded off against each other.

The Guardian

Employee options generally have a long lifetime and cannot be traded.

The New York Times

Leiter's contract includes a list of 10 teams he cannot be traded to.

The New York Times - Sports

Many attractive major league players cannot be traded because they have been blocked in waiver claims.

The New York Times - Sports

When wildlife cannot be traded, it loses its value and thus the incentive for people to conserve it.

The Economist

Benitez can specify two teams -- as yet unnamed -- to which he cannot be traded over the life of the deal.

The New York Times - Sports

Van Exel, according to contractual rules, cannot be traded until 60 days after he was traded from Dallas.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be traded", ensure the context clearly indicates what is preventing the trade, whether it's a legal restriction, contractual obligation, or inherent property of the item.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be traded" in overly broad statements without specifying the limitations. Instead of saying, "Values cannot be traded", specify, "Certain ethical values cannot be traded for financial gain."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be traded" functions as a passive construction indicating the inability or prohibition of exchanging something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English. The examples show it applied to various nouns, expressing that those nouns aren't objects of trade.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be traded" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is not available for exchange or transaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in various contexts, especially News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. It is important to be aware of the context to ensure you are conveying the appropriate meaning. Consider alternatives like ""cannot be exchanged"" or ""is not transferable"" to add precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is non-tradable

Directly indicates the item or right lacks market exchangeability.

cannot be exchanged

Focuses on the inability to swap or replace something.

is not transferable

Emphasizes the lack of ability to pass something on to another party.

cannot be transferred

Highlights the impossibility of moving something from one place or person to another.

cannot be sold

Specifically denotes the inability to offer something for purchase.

cannot be bartered

Emphasizes the restriction on exchanging goods or services without using money.

is not negotiable

Highlights the absence of flexibility to make a trade.

cannot be alienated

Focuses on the inability to legally separate or transfer ownership.

is inalienable

Denotes something that cannot be taken away or transferred.

cannot be disposed of

Emphasizes the inability to get rid of or discard something.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be traded" to indicate that something is not allowed to be exchanged or bartered. For example, "This item is unique and "cannot be exchanged"." or "These rights "cannot be transferred"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cannot be traded"?

Alternatives include "cannot be exchanged", "is not transferable", or "cannot be sold" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Which is correct, "cannot be traded" or "can't be traded"?

Both "cannot be traded" and "can't be traded" are grammatically correct. "Cannot" is more formal, while "can't" is a contraction and is more informal.

What's the difference between "cannot be traded" and "should not be traded"?

"Cannot be traded" indicates a prohibition or impossibility, while "should not be traded" expresses a recommendation or moral judgment against trading.