it cannot be forgiven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be forgiven" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that a particular action or behavior is so severe that it is beyond the possibility of forgiveness. Example: "His betrayal was so deep that it cannot be forgiven, and our friendship will never be the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

To undermine it goes to the very heart of what all Christians believe, which is that no sin is so wicked that it cannot be forgiven by God.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It happened in a country like France that supposed to be sophisticated, it's unbearable and it cannot be forgiven".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I realise that I cannot be forgiven for my offensives (offences) but I beg for pardon on my knees by apologising for my offensives (offences) sincerely toward the DPRK government and the Korean people and I want not punish me (I wish not to be punished)," Newman, who has a heart rhythm disorder, was quoted as saying by KCNA.

Independent

"Making people disappear is something that cannot be forgiven, it is the crime of all crimes".

The Guardian

And then, our country is killing people and locking them up outside the traditional judicial system in a way I think we maybe cannot be forgiven for". It is precisely the intrinsic endlessness of this so-called "war" that is its most corrupting and menacing attribute, for the reasons Maddow explained.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is the one sin he fears cannot be forgiven.

Huffington Post

Rumi's wisdom is the often hard to swallow anecdote: "If you dig a pit for others to fall into, you will fall into it yourself". By its very nature, the reasons for feeling resentful cannot be forgiven.

HuffPost

By its very nature, the reasons for feeling resentful cannot be forgiven.

Huffington Post

It may be that some objects that cause us anger or unhappiness cannot be forgiven because they are not moral agents.

SEP

That is why Kaepernick's crime – standing up for a cause he believes in and becoming an outspoken, politically active figure in his communities – cannot be forgiven by the NFL and its teams.

The Guardian - Sport

"This cannot be forgiven".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “it cannot be forgiven” to convey strong disapproval or indicate that an action is morally unacceptable and beyond pardon. It emphasizes the severity of the transgression.

Common error

Avoid using “it cannot be forgiven” for minor offenses or situations where reconciliation is possible. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing seem overly dramatic or unforgiving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “it cannot be forgiven” functions as an evaluative statement, typically expressing a strong moral judgment about an action or event. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “it cannot be forgiven” is a grammatically sound expression used to convey that an action is beyond pardon, often in the context of serious moral or ethical transgressions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively rare, its usage is consistent and impactful, primarily found in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, consider its strong implications and reserve it for situations where forgiveness is truly deemed impossible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is unforgivable

Replaces the verb phrase with a single adjective, making the sentence more concise.

It is beyond forgiveness

Emphasizes the extreme nature of the situation, highlighting that it exceeds the boundaries of what can be forgiven.

It's impossible to forgive

Focuses on the impossibility of the act of forgiving, suggesting a deep emotional or moral barrier.

It is not to be excused

Shifts the focus from forgiveness to excusing the action, implying that there is no justification for it.

It is not to be pardoned

Uses a more formal term, 'pardoned', suggesting a legal or official context where forgiveness is not an option.

It cannot be condoned

Indicates that the action cannot be accepted or approved of, implying a moral or ethical objection.

There is no forgiving it

Emphasizes the finality and absoluteness of the lack of forgiveness.

It's not subject to forgiveness

Presents a detached and objective view, stating that forgiveness simply doesn't apply in this situation.

It defies forgiveness

Suggests that the action is so extreme that it goes against the very concept of forgiveness.

It is beyond redemption

Implies that the act is so egregious that the person or thing responsible cannot be saved or improved.

FAQs

What does "it cannot be forgiven" mean?

The phrase "it cannot be forgiven" signifies that a particular action or offense is so egregious or morally reprehensible that it is impossible to pardon or excuse it.

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

Use "it cannot be forgiven" when emphasizing the severity of a wrong act, indicating that it is beyond the possibility of absolution due to its profound impact or ethical implications.

What are some alternatives to "it cannot be forgiven"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is unforgivable", "it is beyond forgiveness", or "it is not to be excused" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

How does "it cannot be forgiven" differ from "it should not be forgiven"?

"It cannot be forgiven" implies an impossibility of forgiveness, suggesting an insurmountable barrier, while "it should not be forgiven" expresses a strong moral stance against forgiving, implying a conscious decision not to forgive, even if it were possible.