I cannot move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot move" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an inability to physically move or when feeling emotionally or mentally stuck. Example: "After the accident, I cannot move my leg, and I need help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

/ I cannot move".

The New Yorker

Hello?" I cannot move.

The New York Times

Sometimes I cannot move".

The Guardian

"I cannot move anywhere easily," he said.

The Guardian

I cannot move any part of my body apart from my head.

Independent

She added, "Back at home, I get so lovesick I cannot move or talk".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"There are weekends when I literally cannot move and Sarah has to move my legs for me, while Ray's pain can be unbearable, so of course it gets us down sometimes," admits Carole.

The Guardian

People often ask us, "Why on Earth did she move to the UK?" or, "Why aren't you living in America?!" They're floored when they find out that the reason is that I legally cannot move there.

Huffington Post

Here, we consider the same geometrical framework (i.e., that defined in [32]) to implement the proposed model on continuous spaces, with two main differences: (1) agents are fixed (i.e., they cannot move) and (2) agents can vary their radius.

Computational Social Networks

This paper describes an Internet browsing application based on electrooculography (EOG) aimed at people with a severe motor disability, i.e., people who cannot move their arms.

Expert Systems with Applications

In book II, q. 16, a. 5 of his Sentences commentary, however, Marchia has to wonder why an angel, which is not a "corpus quantum," or bodily mass, cannot move instantaneously, i.e. from one place to another without any temporal duration.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary inability to move, use "I cannot move" to clearly convey the situation. It is straightforward and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "I cannot move" metaphorically when a more precise term would be clearer. Instead of saying "I cannot move forward with this project", consider "I am unable to proceed" or "I am stuck on this project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot move" functions as a statement of inability. It directly expresses the speaker's lack of capacity to perform the action of moving. Ludwig AI shows it is used to describe a physical or emotional state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I cannot move" is a common expression used to describe an inability to physically move or a feeling of being stuck, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, science, and general contexts. While versatile, it's important to use precise language and avoid overuse in metaphorical situations. Alternatives such as "I am unable to move" or "I am immobilized" can provide more clarity in certain contexts. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse situations, contributing to its widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am unable to move

Formal alternative, emphasizing the lack of ability.

I am incapable of moving

Stronger emphasis on the lack of capability.

I can't budge

Informal, suggesting being stuck or unable to shift.

I am immobilized

Implies being fixed in place, often due to external factors.

I'm stuck

Informal, indicating a lack of progress or movement.

I'm paralyzed

Suggests a medical condition causing the inability to move.

I'm unable to proceed

Focuses on the inability to continue or advance.

I am held back

Suggests an external force preventing movement or progress.

I'm at a standstill

Indicates a complete lack of progress or activity.

I am motionlessness

Use the noun form to indicate inability to move

FAQs

What does "I cannot move" mean?

The phrase "I cannot move" means you are unable to physically move, or it can be used metaphorically to express being stuck in a situation or unable to progress.

What can I say instead of "I cannot move"?

You can use alternatives like "I am unable to move", "I am immobilized", or "I can't budge" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I cannot move on"?

Yes, it is correct. "I cannot move on" typically means you are emotionally or mentally unable to leave a past event or situation behind.

How to use "I cannot move" in a sentence?

You can use "I cannot move" to describe a physical limitation, such as "After the surgery, "I cannot move" my leg without pain", or a metaphorical situation, like ""I cannot move" past this grief".