I cannot be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express an inability to be in a certain state or perform a specific action. Example: "I cannot be present at the meeting due to a prior commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I cannot be down.

The New York Times

I cannot be alone.

The New York Times

"I cannot be found out".

Independent

I cannot be bitter.

The Guardian

"I cannot be cured".

The New York Times

I cannot be bulldozed.

The Guardian - Sport

I cannot be still".

The New York Times - Sports

"I cannot be surprised.

The New York Times - Books

Either way, I cannot be working here".

The New Yorker

"And I cannot be a normal person.

Independent

But he said, "I cannot be compassionate".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I cannot be", ensure the statement is clear about what you are unable to be or do. Providing context enhances understanding and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "I cannot be" without specifying what state or action is impossible. For example, instead of "I cannot be," clarify with "I cannot be held responsible" or "I cannot be there on time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot be" functions as an expression of inability or impossibility. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's used to convey that the speaker is incapable of being in a certain state or performing a particular action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I cannot be" is a versatile phrase used to express inability or impossibility, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad communication. Alternatives such as "I am unable to be" offer a more formal tone. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specifying the state or action that is impossible avoids ambiguity. The frequency of "I cannot be" is high, rendering it a very common expression in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am unable to be

Uses a more formal tone by substituting "cannot" with "am unable to".

It is impossible for me to be

Emphasizes the impossibility of a situation, adding a layer of intensity.

I am not capable of being

Highlights a lack of capability rather than a direct prohibition.

I am restricted from being

Suggests an external restriction prevents the action or state.

I am not permitted to be

Indicates a lack of permission to be in a certain state.

I am barred from being

Implies a legal or formal prohibition against being something.

I'm in no position to be

Highlights the unsuitable circumstances preventing a specific state.

I have no right to be

Focuses on the lack of entitlement or justification.

I'm not allowed to be

Indicates that permission has been denied.

It's out of the question for me to be

Expresses a strong rejection or impossibility of the action or state.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I cannot be" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "I am unable to be" or "It is not possible for me to be". These alternatives provide a similar meaning with a more elevated style.

What does "I cannot be held liable" mean?

This phrase means you are not responsible or accountable for something. It's often used in legal or contractual contexts to disclaim responsibility. For example, you could also say "I am not responsible for" /s/I+am+not+responsible+for.

Is "I can't be" the same as "I cannot be"?

Yes, "I can't be" is a contraction of "I cannot be" and carries the same meaning. The choice between them often depends on the desired level of formality, with "I cannot be" generally considered more formal than "I can't be".

When should I use "I cannot be" instead of "I must not be"?

"I cannot be" indicates an inability or impossibility, while "I must not be" indicates an obligation not to be in a certain state. For example, "I cannot be there because I have another appointment" expresses inability, whereas "I must not be late" expresses an obligation to be on time.