cannot be withheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be withheld" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is required to be given or cannot be kept back, such as legal or formal situations. Example: "The information requested by the court cannot be withheld from the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The holding of referendums, he said, "is a basic human right that cannot be withheld or restricted".

The New York Times

A written progress report she presented to the utility's board of commissioners noted that the annual payments are required by the city's contract with the labor union and cannot be withheld.

Los Angeles Times

We have not included a placebo treatment group, because methylnaltrexone is already proven effective and cannot be withheld from patients for ethical reasons.

BMC Palliative Care

The stepped wedge design is advantageous in studies where the intervention cannot be withheld from a proportion of the population and cannot be delivered to all intervention clusters at the same time.

BMC Public Health

On the other hand, our study had no untreated control group which is usually required for such intervention studies, namely because dental treatment cannot be withheld from patients who need it.

BMC Oral Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Marriage is recognized as a fundamental right in this country and, as such, it cannot legitimately be withheld from same-sex couples.

Huffington Post

One camp would suggest that potentially life saving products cannot ethically be withheld from patients who may benefit.

Critical Care

(She asked that her name be withheld).

The New Yorker

He asked that his name be withheld.

The New York Times

The sender requested that his name be withheld and it was withheld by the Ethicist.

The New York Times

His bonuses will still be withheld.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be withheld" in formal contexts to emphasize a right or obligation that must be respected, such as in legal documents, policy statements, or ethical guidelines.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be withheld" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "can't be stopped" or "must be given" are often more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be withheld" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a strong prohibition against withholding something. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a requirement or obligation that must be respected. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in contexts concerning rights, ethical obligations and regulations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be withheld" is a grammatically sound expression signifying that something must not be kept back or denied. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While it appears most often in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a formal tone suitable for emphasizing legal, ethical, or policy-related obligations. Alternatives like "must be granted" or "cannot be denied" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its formality, avoiding overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be granted

Emphasizes the obligation to give or allow something.

must be allowed

Highlights the necessity of permitting something.

cannot be denied

Focuses on the impossibility of refusing something.

must be provided

Stresses the obligation to supply something.

cannot be refused

Highlights that something must be accepted.

is indispensable

Emphasizes that something is absolutely necessary.

is mandatory

Highlights that something is compulsory.

is required

Focuses on the necessity of something.

should not be restricted

Suggests that limiting something would be inappropriate.

should not be denied

Suggests that something must be accepted.

FAQs

What does "cannot be withheld" mean?

The phrase "cannot be withheld" means that something must be given or allowed and is not permitted to be kept back or refused. It signifies a strong obligation or right.

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

You can use "cannot be withheld" to emphasize that something is essential and must not be denied. For example: "Access to clean water "must be granted" and "cannot be denied"."

Which is more appropriate, "cannot be withheld" or "must be given"?

"Cannot be withheld" is more formal and emphasizes a right or entitlement, whereas "must be given" is more direct and focuses on the obligation to provide something. Choose the phrase that best suits the context and desired tone.

What are some alternatives to "cannot be withheld"?

Some alternatives include ""must be granted"", "must be allowed", or ""cannot be denied"", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.