it cannot be substituted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be substituted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that is irreplaceable or essential in a particular context. Example: "In this recipe, the specific type of cheese is crucial; it cannot be substituted without altering the flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Doug Forrester does not belong in the United States Senate.... My voice is not so important that it cannot be substituted.

The New York Times

Phosphorus is the second most important limiting element required for plant growth (Chai et al. 2011; Li et al. 2015a; Ram et al. 2015), and it cannot be substituted by any other nutrient.

AMB Express

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But Mr. Dias Gomes disagreed, saying the novela "cannot be substituted" because it is too deeply rooted a habit in Latin America, and Mr. Daniel agrees.

The New York Times - Arts

Unlike damaged proteins, lipids and RNA, which can be replaced, damaged DNA cannot be substituted and it is easily heritable to daughter cells.

BMC Cancer

Quality of life scales can be used to gauge overall well-being, but they cannot be substituted for a detailed evaluation of safety and tolerability.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

"This cannot be substituted by any IT application," Lombardi added.

TechCrunch

Some people will say that butter cannot be substituted because of its flavor.

WikiHow

The work has, therefore, an autonomy which cannot be substituted by anything else or, to put it another way, the work is always in excess of its readings, its meanings are always more than its interpretations.

SEP

However, hcDI cannot be substituted for or directly compared with 2cDI because it is derived under hyperglycemic conditions resulting in a higher estimation of insulin sensitivity and DI.

Diabetes Care

That platitudes about personal responsibility and choice architecture cannot be substituted for real structural change.

The Guardian

Confectionery companies have little choice but to continue buying hazelnuts because, in most cases, they cannot be substituted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it cannot be substituted" to emphasize the unique and essential nature of something, highlighting its irreplaceability in a specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be substituted" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your tone sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "irreplaceable" or "essential" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be substituted" functions as a declarative statement emphasizing the unique and irreplaceable nature of a subject. It asserts that no alternative can fulfill the same role or provide the same qualities, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it cannot be substituted" is used to emphasize the irreplaceable nature of a subject, highlighting its essential role in a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While the phrase is relatively rare, it appears in diverse fields such as science, news, and general writing, and it conveys a strong sense of uniqueness and irreplaceability. Consider using synonyms such as "irreplaceable" or "essential" to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is irreplaceable

Emphasizes the uniqueness and value, highlighting that a replacement is impossible due to inherent qualities.

it is essential

Focuses on the necessity of the subject, indicating that it is crucial and indispensable for a particular purpose.

it is indispensable

Highlights the critical importance, implying that a system or process would fail without it.

it is not replaceable

States directly that the subject lacks a viable alternative, making it impossible to exchange for something else.

there is no alternative

Asserts the absence of options or substitutes, indicating that the subject is the only possibility.

it is non-negotiable

Emphasizes the fixed and unchangeable nature of the subject, indicating that it is not open to modification or compromise.

it is mandatory

Focuses on the requirement or obligation associated with the subject, indicating that it must be used or followed.

it is crucial

Highlights the critical importance of the subject, suggesting that it is vital for success or function.

it is vital

Emphasizes the life-sustaining or critical nature of the subject, indicating its necessity for survival or proper functioning.

it is paramount

Stresses the supreme importance of the subject, indicating that it takes precedence over all other considerations.

FAQs

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

Use "it cannot be substituted" to emphasize that something is unique and essential. For example: "In this experiment, the control group is vital; "it cannot be substituted" with any other group".

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

Alternatives include "it is irreplaceable", "it is essential", or "it is indispensable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "it cannot be substituted" or "it can't be substituted"?

Both "it cannot be substituted" and "it can't be substituted" are grammatically correct. The former is more formal, while the latter is a contraction and therefore more informal.

What's the difference between "it cannot be substituted" and "it should not be substituted"?

"It cannot be substituted" implies that substitution is impossible or will lead to failure. "It should not be substituted" suggests substitution is possible but not advisable.