that cannot be duplicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that cannot be duplicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something unique or original that cannot be reproduced or copied. Example: "This artwork is a one-of-a-kind piece that cannot be duplicated, making it incredibly valuable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The local phone companies have networks that cannot be duplicated.

The New York Times

Richard Williams did not relinquish control, and this is the part of the Williams-sister model that cannot be duplicated.

The New York Times - Sports

Many specialty stores have carved out niches that cannot be duplicated online, selling rare records or used discs.

The New York Times

They also will exude an odor that cannot be duplicated anywhere except on the Balard Métro line.

The New York Times

"We can't duplicate what we see in show cars" which are "tricked out" under carefully controlled conditions that cannot be duplicated in mass production.

The New York Times

And critics of charter schools say they tend to draw the most committed students and parents, draining resources from other schools and creating educational successes that cannot be duplicated across the system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

RIM's network, however, has one significant feature that probably cannot be duplicated.

The New York Times

They also store fade times and have numerous capabilities that simply cannot be duplicated by any other type of control system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Growing up in the Great Depression instilled a work ethic among an entire generation that probably cannot be duplicated, short of a recurrence of the same economic conditions.

Forbes

Provide your cleaner with a key that states clearly it cannot be duplicated.

WikiHow

The politics that made the 1986 act work cannot be duplicated, and it is unlikely that people will support restricting tax preferences for individuals to finance corporate rate cuts, the opposite of what was done in 1986.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that cannot be duplicated" to emphasize the unique qualities of something, whether it's a skill, an experience, or a physical object. This adds weight to the assertion of its distinctiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "duplicated" when referring to multiple instances of something. Instead, use "replicated" or "copied" if you mean multiple versions of the same thing. "Duplicated" is best when emphasizing the impossibility of creating an exact copy of something specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that cannot be duplicated" functions as a qualifying phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates a unique attribute or characteristic. Ludwig AI shows this usage across various contexts, affirming its role in highlighting distinctiveness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that cannot be duplicated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize the uniqueness, originality, or irreplaceability of something. As noted by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While various alternatives exist, such as "that is one-of-a-kind" or "that is impossible to replicate", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. To ensure clarity, it's important to use "duplicated" when referring to something specific rather than multiple instances, where "replicated" is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is impossible to replicate

Replaces "duplicated" with "replicate", maintaining a similar level of formality.

that cannot be reproduced

Replaces "duplicated" with "reproduced", focusing on the act of creation.

that is unrepeatable

Emphasizes the singularity of the event or item, suggesting it cannot happen again.

that is one-of-a-kind

Highlights the uniqueness and originality of something.

that is unparalleled

Suggests there's nothing comparable in existence.

that is matchless

Implies the item or situation is unrivaled and without equal.

that is inimitable

Conveys the difficulty or impossibility of copying the style or quality.

that defies imitation

Implies that something is so unique that it's impossible to imitate.

that is irreplaceable

Focuses on the value and the impossibility of finding a substitute.

that is unique

Simply states the item is unlike anything else.

FAQs

How can I use "that cannot be duplicated" in a sentence?

You can use "that cannot be duplicated" to describe something unique or original. For example, "The artist's style is so distinctive "that cannot be duplicated", making his work highly sought after."

What are some alternatives to saying "that cannot be duplicated"?

Alternatives include "that is impossible to replicate", "that is one-of-a-kind", or "that is irreplaceable", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "that cannot be duplicated" or "that cannot be replicated"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between "that cannot be duplicated" and "that cannot be replicated" often comes down to personal preference or the specific context. "Replicated" may be more common in scientific or technical contexts.

Can "that cannot be duplicated" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "that cannot be duplicated" can describe abstract concepts such as experiences, feelings, or skills. For example, "The bond between twins is a unique connection "that cannot be duplicated" by any other relationship."