cannot be transferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be transferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is not able to be moved or conveyed from one place or person to another. Example: "The ownership of this asset cannot be transferred without the proper documentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(iii) The results of the in vitro study of planktonic bacteria cannot be transferred to human beings.

BioMed Research International

By city law, air rights cannot be transferred across zones.

The New York Times

If a member switches conferences, the rights cannot be transferred.

The New York Times - Sports

Under British law, the embryos cannot be transferred to women to achieve a pregnancy.

The Guardian

But these options cannot be transferred, not even to a trust.

The New York Times

Currently, under UK law, genetically modified embryos cannot be transferred to women.

The Guardian

The waivers cannot be transferred with the sale of the establishment, according to the rules.

The New York Times

Item B: "Stud in Aviator Glasses" cannot be transferred to my career résumé without copious footnotes.

The New Yorker

The film cannot be transferred to another device once it is downloaded to a computer.

The New York Times

Toll-free numbers or pager numbers cannot be transferred, for example.

The New York Times

"Mary Jane cannot be transferred yet due to her ongoing judicial review," Spontana said on Friday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be transferred", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is unable to be moved or conveyed and the reason for this restriction. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be transferred" when a more direct, active voice construction would be clearer and more concise. For instance, instead of "The responsibility cannot be transferred to the police", consider "The police cannot assume this responsibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be transferred" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating an inability to move or convey something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be transferred" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is not able to be moved, assigned, or conveyed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While synonyms like "is not transferable" exist, "cannot be transferred" remains a clear and direct choice. When using the phrase, ensure that the context provides enough detail on what's restricted and the reasons behind it. While generally formal, it can also be used in more neutral contexts. Avoiding overuse of the passive voice will maintain writing clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not transferable

Uses a different adjective form to express the same inability to transfer.

is nontransferable

Combines "not" and "transferable" into a single word for a more concise expression.

is not assignable

Replaces "transferred" with "assignable", emphasizing the inability to assign rights or responsibilities.

is not conveyable

Substitutes "transferred" with "conveyable", highlighting the inability to pass something on.

may not be moved

Replaces "transferred" with "moved", focusing on the physical act of moving something.

cannot be reassigned

Adds the nuance of reassigning, meaning it cannot be assigned again or to a different entity.

cannot be passed on

Uses a phrasal verb to convey the impossibility of passing something to another.

cannot be ceded

Replaces "transferred" with "ceded", focusing on the inability to give up or surrender something.

remains with

Indicates that something must stay where it is and cannot be moved.

is permanently held by

Emphasizes the permanent nature of something not being able to be transferred.

FAQs

What does "cannot be transferred" mean?

The phrase "cannot be transferred" means that something is not able to be moved, reassigned, or conveyed from one entity to another. This could refer to physical objects, rights, responsibilities, or data.

What are some synonyms for "cannot be transferred"?

Some synonyms for "cannot be transferred" include "is not transferable", "is not assignable", or "cannot be conveyed".

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

You can use "cannot be transferred" in a sentence like this: "The ownership of this asset cannot be transferred without the proper documentation" or "Data "cannot be transmitted" outside of the EU".

Is it correct to say "can't be transferred" instead of "cannot be transferred"?

Yes, "can't be transferred" is a contraction of "cannot be transferred" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. "Cannot be transferred" is more formal and suitable for official or academic writing.