it cannot be overridden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be overridden" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating that a certain rule, setting, or condition is fixed and cannot be changed or bypassed. Example: "In this software, the default settings are crucial for security, and it cannot be overridden by users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What is distinctive of a prima facie obligation, as opposed to a mere instrumental means-end imperative, is that it cannot be overridden by mere desires.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is an absolute right and cannot be overridden by any other interest".

The Guardian

Hate cannot be overridden by sharing more Hate; it can only be lightened with Love.

Huffington Post

Installing a system that cannot be overridden from the cockpit is a risk if it can be used by malefactors.

The New York Times - Tech

This cannot be overridden.

The New Yorker

This cannot be overridden by anything from heaven.

The Guardian - Books

Payment review is an automatic process within the PayPal system that cannot be overridden.

The New York Times

Fly by wire provides "flight envelope protections" that cannot be overridden.

The New York Times - Books

Rakoff said Wilpon and Katz's lawyers made "a more than plausible argument that the duty of inquiry" — what the Mets' owners should have done — "is governed by securities law and cannot be overridden after the fact by the bankruptcy law".

The New York Times - Sports

Neuberger quoted Lord Hoffmann, a former law lord, who said in 2000 that "fundamental rights cannot be overridden by general or ambiguous words … because there is too great a risk that the full implications of their unqualified meaning may have passed unnoticed in the democratic process".

The Guardian

Only Wickr users may send messages to other Wickr users, and the software can be set to allow communications only from a preset white list.Ms Sell says that adopters are particularly fond of Wickr's self-destruct timer, which irretrievably scrambles the transmission after a period, from seconds to days, set by the sender, and which cannot be overridden once transmitted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it cannot be overridden", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The default setting for encryption cannot be overridden."

Common error

A common mistake is to use "it cannot be overridden" without specifying what "it" refers to, leading to confusion. Always provide context to ensure clarity. For instance, instead of just saying "It cannot be overridden", specify "The user's password cannot be overridden by administrators."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be overridden" functions as a statement of impossibility or unchangeability. As Ludwig AI highlights, it expresses that a specific rule, setting, or condition is fixed and resistant to any attempts to alter it.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it cannot be overridden" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey that something is unchangeable or fixed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, with a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject "it" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "it is immutable" or "it is irreversible", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unmodifiable

Replaces "overridden" with a more technical term, focusing on the inability to alter something.

it is irreversible

Highlights the inability to revert or undo a particular action or setting.

it is immutable

Emphasizes the fixed and unchangeable nature of something, often used in programming.

it is set in stone

Uses a metaphor to convey the idea of something being permanent and unalterable.

it is non-negotiable

Focuses on the inflexibility and lack of room for compromise or change.

it is beyond alteration

Formally states that something cannot be changed or modified.

it is not subject to change

Emphasizes the stability and resistance to modification.

it is not possible to change it

Directly states the impossibility of altering something.

it is fixed and unalterable

Combines two adjectives to strongly emphasize the unchangeable nature.

there is no way to change it

Focuses on the lack of options or methods to alter something.

FAQs

How can I use "it cannot be overridden" in a sentence?

Use "it cannot be overridden" to emphasize that a particular setting, rule, or process is fixed and unchangeable. For example: "The system's security protocols are designed so that the administrator settings "cannot be overridden" by regular users."

What's a formal alternative to "it cannot be overridden"?

A more formal alternative is "it is not subject to override" or "it is unmodifiable". These options are suitable for technical or official documentation.

Is "it cannot be overriden" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it cannot be overridden" is grammatically correct. "Overridden" is the past participle of the verb "override" and is correctly used in the passive voice with "cannot be".

What does it mean when something "cannot be overridden"?

When something ""cannot be overridden"", it means that its current state, setting, or configuration is permanent and cannot be changed or bypassed, regardless of attempts to do so.