it cannot be repeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be repeated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something is unique or cannot occur again. Example: "This moment is special; it cannot be repeated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It has now confirmed its auditors will begin an independent inquiry to "ensure it cannot be repeated".

BBC

It cannot be repeated".

The New York Times

Therefore, it cannot be repeated when it has once been validly performed as a sacrament.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Similarly, if the test fails for any technical reason, it cannot be repeated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An important assumption of the model is that once the threat is carried out it cannot be repeated.

Harvard University

It cannot be repeated often enough that the propaganda of the Leave campaign was a tissue of lies.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It quite simply cannot be repeated enough that money is the low-entropy measure that provides crucial information when its value is uniform.

Forbes

Conversely, the procedure cannot be repeated, and because it is more complex, it requires particular surgical skill.

Human Reproduction Update

It also showed that the past cannot be repeated.

The New York Times - Arts

The letter states: "This pattern cannot be repeated without it having a serious impact on local services and on people.

The Guardian

It caused harm to our nation and cannot be repeated.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it cannot be repeated", ensure the context clearly establishes what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The error occurred, and it cannot be repeated", specify: "The data breach occurred, and this level of negligence cannot be repeated".

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be repeated" when the impossibility of recurrence is already implied. For example, instead of saying "Winning the lottery once is rare, so it cannot be repeated", simply state "Winning the lottery once is rare" because the rarity inherently implies low probability of recurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be repeated" primarily functions as a statement of impossibility or prohibition. It emphasizes that a particular event, action, or situation is either impossible to replicate or must not occur again. This is supported by Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it cannot be repeated" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey the impossibility of replicating an event or a strong desire to prevent its recurrence. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase appears commonly in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Academia, with the expression used to stress the uniqueness of an event, setting boundaries to prevent an unwanted repetition. While the phrase is generally applicable, it is most effective when the referent ('it') is clear and the context supports the impossibility or undesirability of repetition. To improve your writing, avoid redundancy and ensure clarity by defining 'it' precisely. Consider using synonyms like ""it is unrepeatable"" or ""it must not happen again"" for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unrepeatable

Indicates the impossibility of recreating or duplicating something.

it must not happen again

Emphasizes prevention and prohibition of a similar event in the future.

it is not replicable

Focuses on the uniqueness and the impossibility of replicate the referred event.

recurrence is impossible

States the impossibility of the event happening again, emphasizing the finality of its non-repetition.

it should not be replicated

Focuses on preventing exact copies or reproductions of something.

a repeat performance is out of the question

Emphasizes the impossibility of repeating a certain event or performance, indicating a firm decision against it.

it is a one-time occurrence

Highlights the uniqueness and singularity of an event.

it won't happen twice

Expresses confidence that a particular event will not recur.

there will be no second time

Emphasizes that an event won't happen again, focusing on its uniqueness.

it's a non-recurring event

Highlights the lack of recurrence of the referred event.

FAQs

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

Use "it cannot be repeated" to emphasize that something is unique, unacceptable to happen again, or impossible to replicate. For example: "That mistake was unacceptable; "it must not happen again"". Or, in a scientific context: "Given these specific conditions, "it is unrepeatable"".

What does "it cannot be repeated" mean?

The phrase "it cannot be repeated" means something is unique, impossible to duplicate, or should not happen again. The context determines the specific nuance, ranging from physical impossibility to moral unacceptability.

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

You can use alternatives like ""it is unrepeatable"", ""it must not happen again"", or "recurrence is impossible" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "it cannot be repeated"?

It's appropriate when highlighting the uniqueness of an event, stressing the need to prevent a recurrence of something undesirable, or stating that something is impossible to replicate. Consider the specific nuance needed; alternatives like "it is not replicable" might be more suitable in technical contexts.