shall not be moved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall not be moved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in formal or literary contexts to express a strong determination or resolve not to change one's position or opinion. Example: "Despite the challenges ahead, she declared that her beliefs shall not be moved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They also prayed and sang We Shall Not Be Moved.

The Guardian

Old timers sang mournfully, "We Shall Not be Moved".

The Guardian

"We shall not, we shall not be moved..."...

The Guardian - Books

"We shall not be moved," protesters joined in, lending their operatic voices to the chorus.

The New York Times

She could be seen with arms linked with other protesters, singing "We shall not be moved".

The Guardian

They shall not be moved, as one of them said, "until the council change their mind".

The Guardian - Books

The sentiment was we shall not be moved and the bond scheme arose from that episode.

The Guardian - Sport

They chanted 'We shall not be moved' as they marched through the city.

The Guardian

As a police van passed, an old song rose from the circle: "We shall not, we shall not be moved / Just like a tree that's planted by the water / We shall not be moved".

The New Yorker

When black Chicagoans of today sing "We shall not be moved," it's both a promise and a prayer.

The New Yorker

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her just at the break of dawn.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shall not be moved" to express a firm and unwavering stance, especially in contexts where you want to convey resilience or determination in the face of opposition. The phrase is particularly effective in formal speeches or literary writing.

Common error

Avoid using "shall not be moved" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural-sounding alternatives like "won't budge" or "sticking to my guns" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall not be moved" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing unwavering resolve or resistance. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment and the examples provided, where the phrase is often used in contexts of protest, determination, or steadfast belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shall not be moved" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that conveys a sense of unwavering determination and resilience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal and literary contexts, although it should be used sparingly in casual settings. The phrase's roots in spirituals and protest songs give it a historical and emotional depth, as exemplified by various protest movements. While alternatives like "will remain steadfast" or "will stand firm" exist, "shall not be moved" carries a unique weight and resonance, making it a powerful choice when conveying unyielding resolve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will remain steadfast

Changes the auxiliary verb and uses a more descriptive adjective to convey a similar meaning of unwavering commitment.

will stand firm

Employs a different verb and adjective to express the same idea of unyielding resolve.

will not yield

Replaces the original phrase with a verb that emphasizes resistance to pressure or opposition.

will persevere

Focuses on the continuation of effort despite difficulties, maintaining a similar connotation of resilience.

will endure

Highlights the ability to withstand hardship over time, echoing the unwavering aspect of the original phrase.

are unshakeable

Shifts from a verb-centric phrase to an adjective that describes a quality of being firm and resolute.

are immovable

Similar to "unshakeable", this uses an adjective to describe the state of being resistant to change or influence.

will hold their ground

Uses a more metaphorical expression to convey the idea of defending a position or belief.

will not back down

Emphasizes a refusal to retreat or concede, retaining the sense of determination.

are resolute

Employs a concise adjective to describe a firm and unwavering state of mind.

FAQs

How can I use "shall not be moved" in a sentence?

You can use "shall not be moved" to express a firm and unwavering stance. For example, "Despite the criticism, they "shall not be moved" from their principles."

What phrases are similar to "shall not be moved"?

Alternatives include "will remain steadfast", "will stand firm", or "will not yield", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "shall not be moved"?

"Shall not be moved" is appropriate in formal settings, speeches, or literary writing where you want to convey a strong sense of determination or resilience. It is often used in contexts of protest, resistance, or unwavering belief.

Is "shall not be moved" formal or informal?

"Shall not be moved" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, alternatives like "won't budge" or "sticking to my guns" might be more suitable.