cannot be turned back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be turned back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a situation or decision is irreversible or that there is no way to return to a previous state. Example: "Once the decision was made, it was clear that the clock had started ticking, and the consequences of our actions cannot be turned back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It cannot be turned back.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The flood cannot be turned back.

The New Yorker

Irrevocable means just that: The euro cannot be turned back.

The New York Times

The hands of the clock cannot be turned back".

The Guardian - Business

We have crossed a threshold and the geological clock cannot be turned back.

The Guardian - Opinion

The clock cannot be turned back, even for those who still have old deeds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But the underlying EU law cannot now be turned back.

MIT Technology Review

Iran walks in with a nuclear program that cannot easily be turned back, while the West has imposed sanctions that have crippled the Iranian economy.

The New York Times

At the same time, Iran has taken some of its stockpile of 20 percent enriched uranium and converted it into reactor fuel, which cannot easily be turned back.

The New York Times

OIA cannot guarantee when your record will be turned back to 'active'active

University of Chicago

They cannot be forced to answer the question if they refuse, although they likely will be turned back to Canada.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be turned back" to emphasize the finality of a decision or situation, particularly when highlighting the lack of options for reversal. It adds a sense of weight and consequence to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be turned back" when the situation is merely difficult to reverse, not absolutely impossible. Overstating the irreversibility can weaken your argument if there's any chance of change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be turned back" functions as an assertion of irreversibility. Ludwig examples show it's used to emphasize the finality of a situation or decision. It highlights that a return to a previous state is impossible. It's commonly used in contexts where a significant threshold has been crossed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be turned back" is a versatile expression used to convey the impossibility of reversing a situation or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively communicates the finality of a change. Alternatives like ""is irreversible"" or ""cannot be undone"" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. Using this phrase correctly involves recognizing true irreversibility versus mere difficulty in reversal. Its presence in authoritative sources reinforces its reliability and acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is irreversible

Focuses directly on the inability to reverse a process or situation.

is irreversible

Focuses on the inability to reverse a process or situation.

cannot be undone

Emphasizes the impossibility of undoing an action or its consequences.

is irrevocable

A formal term highlighting the finality and unalterable nature of something.

is beyond recall

Suggests that something is irretrievable and lost forever.

is unalterable

Stresses the impossibility of modifying or changing something.

there's no going back

A more conversational way to express the lack of possibility to revert to a prior condition.

is set in stone

Implies a decision or situation is unchangeable and permanent.

the point of no return

Highlights the moment where reversal becomes impossible.

what's done is done

Acknowledges the finality of past actions and their consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be turned back" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be turned back" to emphasize that a decision or situation is irreversible, like in the sentence, "Once the investment was made, the decision "cannot be turned back"".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be turned back"?

Alternatives include "is irreversible", "cannot be undone", or "there's no going back", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "cannot be turned back" in formal writing?

Yes, "cannot be turned back" is appropriate for formal writing. It's frequently used in news articles and reports.

What is the difference between "cannot be turned back" and "difficult to reverse"?

"Cannot be turned back" implies complete irreversibility, whereas "difficult to reverse" suggests that reversal is possible, but challenging. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.