cannot be unfolded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be unfolded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is unable to be opened, revealed, or expanded, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The secret document is encrypted and cannot be unfolded without the proper key."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Furthermore, this approach cannot be applied when the EFSM specification cannot be unfolded into an equivalent FSM since the domains of some variables and/or input parameters of the specification are infinite.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

To examine how fibril formation is affected by the conformational stability of an adjacent folded protein domain, PABPN1 itself could not be used, because the domain following the oligo-Ala stretch cannot be unfolded and refolded reversibly in vitro [36].

Plosone

The importance of autophagy in aggregate-prone protein clearance is probably increased due to the proteasome being unable to degrade oligomeric species, as they cannot be unfolded to enter the narrow barrel of the proteasome [ 65].

Current Opinion in Cell Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Lawn chairs are unfolded.

The New York Times

Functions are unfolded through minimal variations (mutations).

Genome Biology and Evolution

GFP is known to show non-equilibrium behavior in denaturant-induced unfolding [27] (consistent with the unfolding transitions shifting towards lower Gdn-HCl concentrations at increased incubation time (cf. Fig. S6B and C)), so true free energies of unfolding cannot be deduced from unfolding transitions alone.

Plosone

Something appears to be happening that cannot logically be the case – and yet here it is, unfolding before our eyes.

The Guardian - Books

But try as I might, I cannot muster the same Panglossian enthusiasm as my colleague about the way policy is unfolding.

The Economist

Spring was unfolding.

The New York Times

A revolution is unfolding.

The Times

Their stories are unfolding.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be unfolded" when describing processes or situations that are inherently irreversible or have reached a point where further development or revelation is impossible. For example, when discussing a protein structure that has been permanently denatured.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be unfolded" in situations where simpler alternatives like "cannot be opened" or "cannot be revealed" are more appropriate. The phrase is often best reserved for scenarios involving complex processes or structures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be unfolded" functions as a passive construction, typically describing a state where something is incapable of being revealed, expanded, or developed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be unfolded" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to express impossibility, particularly in revealing or developing something. As indicated by Ludwig, while grammatically sound, it's relatively rare, often appearing in scientific and news contexts. Alternatives include "cannot be revealed" and "cannot be unravelled". To maintain clarity, it is advisable to reserve the phrase for scenarios involving complex processes or structures and to avoid overuse in everyday situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be revealed

Focuses specifically on the inability to disclose or make something known.

cannot be disclosed

Similar to "cannot be revealed" but often used in legal or formal contexts.

cannot be displayed

Highlights the inability to show or present something, either physically or digitally.

cannot be unravelled

Implies the impossibility of solving or understanding a complex problem or situation.

cannot be expanded

Highlights the limitation in increasing the size, scope, or detail of something.

cannot be understood

Emphasizes the inability to comprehend or make sense of something.

cannot be expressed

Indicates the inability to communicate or convey a thought, feeling, or idea.

cannot be developed

Focuses on the inability to expand, progress, or elaborate on something.

cannot be simplified

Focuses on the inability to make something easier to understand or do.

cannot be flattened

Implies the impossibility of making something level, uniform, or less complex.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be unfolded"?

The phrase "cannot be unfolded" is appropriate when describing situations, processes, or structures that are inherently irreversible or have reached a stage where further development or revelation is impossible. It's often used in scientific or technical contexts.

What are some alternative phrases to "cannot be unfolded"?

Alternatives to "cannot be unfolded" include "cannot be revealed", "cannot be displayed", or "cannot be unravelled" depending on the context.

Is "cannot be unfolded" grammatically correct?

Yes, "cannot be unfolded" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is unable to be opened, revealed, or expanded.

How does the meaning of "cannot be unfolded" differ from "cannot be opened"?

"Cannot be opened" generally refers to a physical object or closed system. "Cannot be unfolded" implies a more complex process of revelation or expansion that is impossible, often used metaphorically or in technical fields like biochemistry or software engineering. The nuance is that "cannot be unfolded" suggests a multi-layered structure that can't be reverted to its original form.