could not be broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not be broken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unbreakable or resilient, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Despite the challenges they faced, their spirit could not be broken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He could not be broken.

The New York Times

But Le Clos could not be broken.

The Guardian - Sport

The rules could not be broken.

The Guardian

After Lepanto, however, it became clear that the stalemate in the Mediterranean could not be broken.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And Liza realized that her marriage could not be broken up by a trifling episode.

The New Yorker

But protocol could not be broken, and Isabel was moved into the Ebola ward.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Ergo, it couldn't be broken.

The Guardian

It wasn't particularly healthy, but it was a bond that couldn't be broken, really".

The Guardian - Music

Their concentration couldn't be broken from the screens as their fingers tapped at the phones.

The Guardian - Sport

The only thing that couldn't be broken down into a donkey load was the electric generator.

The Guardian - Film

For me, that character was always a transfigured version of my father's childhood story: the embodiment of a humanism that couldn't be broken.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could not be broken" to describe something resilient, whether a physical object, a bond, or a person's spirit. It implies an exceptional degree of resistance to external forces.

Common error

Avoid using "could not be broken" solely for physical objects; its strength lies in its metaphorical application to describe intangible qualities like resolve, spirit, or agreements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be broken" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating an inability or impossibility. Ludwig AI confirms its use across diverse contexts, signifying something that withstands external forces or remains unaffected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could not be broken" is a versatile and frequently used expression that communicates resilience, permanence, or inviolability. Ludwig AI shows that it is grammatically correct and found across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While it can refer to physical objects, its metaphorical use to describe abstract concepts like spirit or agreements adds depth. Remember to consider context when choosing related phrases like "proved unbreakable" or "remained intact", and avoid limiting its application to only physical scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proved unbreakable

This emphasizes the characteristic of being impossible to break.

was indestructible

This emphasizes the impossibility of being destroyed.

couldn't be breached

This alternative emphasizes the impossibility of penetrating or violating something.

could not be disrupted

This focuses on the inability to interrupt or disturb a process or state.

could not be violated

This emphasizes the impossibility of breaking a rule, law, or agreement.

could not be compromised

This suggests that something's integrity or security remained intact.

could not be defeated

This focuses on the inability to be overcome in a competition or conflict.

could not be subdued

This highlights the impossibility of bringing something under control.

remained intact

This emphasizes the state of being whole and undamaged.

withstood all attempts

This highlights the resistance to various efforts to break or damage.

FAQs

How can I use "could not be broken" in a sentence?

You can use "could not be broken" to describe something that is resilient or unbreakable, like "The code "could not be broken" by hackers" or "Their bond "could not be broken" despite the distance".

What phrases are similar to "could not be broken"?

Similar phrases include "proved unbreakable", "remained intact", or "was indestructible", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "could not be broken" or "couldn't be broken"?

Both "could not be broken" and "couldn't be broken" are correct. The contracted form "couldn't" is more informal, while "could not" is more formal. The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

When is it best to use "could not be broken" metaphorically?

It's best to use "could not be broken" metaphorically when referring to abstract concepts like a person's spirit, a promise, or an agreement. This emphasizes the strength and resilience of the concept.