it cannot be amended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be amended" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating that something is fixed or unchangeable, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "Once the contract is signed, it cannot be amended without mutual consent from both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Moreover, it cannot be amended until next November, five years after its adoption, and then only by a majority of a joint sitting of both houses of parliament.

The Economist

Unlike previous treaties, it cannot be amended to give the two countries an opt-out.

The Economist

In June, a proposal to fast-track the agreement, which means it cannot be amended and is subject only to an up-and-down vote, was initially derailed in Congress by a coalition of liberal Democrats and ardent Tea Partiers who opposed the deal for disparate reasons.

The Guardian

Once the transaction was sent, it cannot be amended, edited or deleted.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The panel, officially known as the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, has been dubbed the super committee by many because it has extraordinary authority to recommend changes in any spending or tax laws, and its recommendations cannot be amended before the House and the Senate vote on them this year.

The New York Times

Schumer countered the view that the First Amendment cannot be amended because it is sacrosanct.

Huffington Post

Once booked the prize cannot be amended or altered.

Independent

Emergency spending bills cannot be amended, only voted up or down.

The New York Times

The resolution must be passed by both houses but cannot be amended.

The Guardian

The resulting legislation then has to be approved, but cannot be amended, by parliament.

The Guardian

He wants them to vote instead for his emergency bill, which cannot be amended.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it cannot be amended", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the document, rule, or agreement you're discussing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because "it cannot be amended" in one way, it's entirely unchangeable. There may be alternative ways to achieve the desired outcome that don't involve direct amendment, such as creating a new document or agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be amended" functions as a declarative statement expressing immutability. Ludwig AI shows that it is used to emphasize that a particular rule, document, or agreement is not subject to modification under certain conditions. It commonly appears in contexts where stability and permanence are essential.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it cannot be amended" is a grammatically correct and relatively rare phrase used to convey the inability to modify something, often in legal or formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability. As demonstrated by examples from sources like The New York Times and The Economist, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding what "it" refers to. While alternatives like "it is unmodifiable" or "it is fixed" exist, "it cannot be amended" is particularly suitable for professional communications, providing assurance of permanence and stability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unmodifiable

Replaces 'amended' with 'unmodifiable', emphasizing the lack of ability to modify.

it is unalterable

Synonymous with 'immutable', stressing the impossibility of alteration.

it is not open to revision

Highlights that the subject is not available for revision or modification.

it is not subject to alteration

Replaces 'cannot be amended' with a more formal phrase, highlighting that alteration is not permitted.

it is immutable

A more formal and technical term indicating that something cannot be changed.

it defies modification

Suggests that attempts to modify the subject would be unsuccessful.

it is irreversible

Focuses on the finality of the state, implying that changes are impossible.

it is permanent

Emphasizes the lasting and unchangeable quality of the subject.

it is fixed in place

Emphasizes the immobility and unchangeable nature of the subject.

it is set in stone

An idiomatic expression suggesting something is permanent and unchangeable.

FAQs

How to use "it cannot be amended" in a sentence?

Use "it cannot be amended" to express that something is fixed and unchangeable. For example, "Once the policy is ratified, "it cannot be amended" without a unanimous vote."

What can I say instead of "it cannot be amended"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unmodifiable", "it is fixed", or "it is unchangeable" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "it cannot be amended" is suitable for formal writing. It clearly conveys the inability to make changes and is often used in legal, official, and business contexts.

What's the difference between "it cannot be amended" and "it can't be changed"?

"It cannot be amended" is more formal and typically used in official contexts. "It can't be changed" is more informal and suitable for general conversation.