that cannot be modified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that cannot be modified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is fixed or unchangeable, often in technical or formal contexts. Example: "The parameters of this system are set to values that cannot be modified for security reasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The N.F.L. is attempting to modify or regulate behavior that cannot be modified or regulated.

The New York Times - Sports

Thermosetting systems, unlike thermoplastics, form permanent, heat-resistant, insoluble bonds that cannot be modified without degradation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, some system-level folders, also known as default folders, have retention policies that cannot be modified.

Stanford University

The interest rates charged for those properties, he said, are typically three-eighths of a percentage point higher than rates on mortgages that cannot be modified by bankruptcy judges.

The New York Times

The Resolution clearly expresses that "advance directives of will" mean what the phrase itself indicates: a direction, not a closed document that cannot be modified or that must be blindly followed.

Harvard University

In order to create an unadulterated window onto the processes implicated in mental arithmetic and to permit the clinical precision of their segmentation, simple problems devoid of content are presented in a manner that cannot be modified by the agent.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The common feature of these groups is that they cannot be modified by degree adverbs.

Functional Linguistics

With the exception of the first constraint, all the filters can be modified at the analysis stage before calculating the resolving power, the repeats have already been eliminated when designing the arrays and therefore that constraint cannot be modified during the analysis and applies to all the results presented in the current work.

BMC Genomics

Second, it allows the storing of sensitive information in such a manner that any piece cannot be modified or deleted by any employee.

HuffPost

Alternatively, it is possible that some sites cannot be modified efficiently for technical reasons (such as dCas9 binding efficiencies, transfection efficiencies), other layers of gene regulation (for example, H3K27 methylation preventing acetylation) or immediate reversal of the newly acquired change (for example, by endogenous chromatin modifiers).

Genome Medicine

We have all heard admonitions at some point or other that the word unique cannot be modified — a thing is either unique or it is not.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that cannot be modified" to clearly indicate a restriction on altering specific parameters, settings or data, particularly in technical documentation and legal agreements.

Common error

Avoid using "that cannot be modified" in casual writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "unchangeable" or "fixed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that cannot be modified" functions as a relative clause. It adjectivally describes a noun, specifying that the noun possesses the attribute of being unchangeable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that cannot be modified" is a grammatically sound relative clause used to denote immutability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently encountered in scientific, news media, and academic contexts, indicating a formal or technical register. Although not exceptionally common, the phrase serves a crucial purpose in specifying restrictions on alteration, particularly where precision is essential. While alternatives exist for more casual settings, this phrase is well-suited for clearly stating unchangeable attributes in specialized domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is unchangeable

Directly states the inability to be changed.

that is unmodifiable

A more formal and technical synonym emphasizing the lack of ability to modify.

that cannot be altered

Uses "altered" as a synonym for "modified", maintaining the core meaning.

that is immutable

Emphasizes the permanent and unalterable nature, often used in technical or philosophical contexts.

that is unalterable

Highlights the inability to be changed or altered, suggesting a fixed state.

that is irreversible

Focuses on the inability to revert to a previous state after a change.

that defies modification

Suggests a resistance or impossibility of being changed, often due to inherent properties.

that is set in stone

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the finality and unchangeability of something.

that is fixed

Implies a state that is firmly in place and not subject to alteration.

that resists change

Indicates an inherent quality that prevents alteration.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "that cannot be modified"?

You can use alternatives like "that is immutable", "that is unchangeable", or "that is fixed" depending on the context.

How do I use "that cannot be modified" in a sentence?

Use "that cannot be modified" to describe something with settings or data that are intentionally restricted from alteration, such as, "These system files have attributes that cannot be modified by regular users."

Is "that cannot be modified" formal or informal?

"That cannot be modified" leans towards a formal or technical register. In casual conversation, alternatives like "can't be changed" are more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "that cannot be modified" instead of "unchangeable"?

Use "that cannot be modified" when you want to emphasize the act of modification itself being prevented. "Unchangeable" is a broader term for something that simply cannot be altered, regardless of the reason.