I cannot sustain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot sustain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an inability to maintain or support something, whether it be a physical, emotional, or situational context. Example: "After months of working overtime, I cannot sustain this level of stress any longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Is the revolution's Islam so weak, he said, that it cannot sustain the restoration of relations with the United States?

The New York Times

EBay has a lot to lose if it cannot sustain Mr. Thompson's momentum at PayPal.

The New York Times

"I hate that I have to do that because it's hurting the kids more than anybody, but if I really cannot sustain a living then that's what I have to do".

Huffington Post

One CHEW describing how this made it difficult to perform well: " The amount that I am receiving cannot sustain me because you can only perform well if you are comfortable, for you to be comfortable you have to have all the basic needs and everything goes with money.

Health Policy and Planning

That's because I agree, many sites cannot sustain themselves solely on advertising.

TechCrunch

I was surprised to learn recently that otters are now so numerous our waterways cannot sustain them.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We cannot sustain financially the current system".

The New York Times

Without subscribers the opera cannot sustain itself.

The New Yorker

Euphoria cannot sustain a business, however.

The New Yorker

They cannot sustain a long protracted war".

The Economist

"High oil prices cannot sustain the state.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone of "I cannot sustain." It conveys a sense of limitation or exhaustion. Use stronger wording if needing to convey determination or a call to action.

Common error

Avoid using "I cannot sustain" in situations where the lack of sustainability is due to external factors beyond your control, unless you explicitly acknowledge those factors. Otherwise, it might imply a lack of personal responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot sustain" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's inability to maintain, support, or continue a particular action, condition, or state. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples showcasing its role in conveying limitations or constraints.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I cannot sustain" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey an inability to maintain or support something. Ludwig AI analysis supports its correct usage across various contexts, though the lack of specific examples indicates its rarity. When using the phrase, clarity and awareness of the emotional tone are crucial. Consider replacing it with alternatives to better suit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm unable to maintain

Focuses on the lack of ability to keep something at the same level or standard.

I'm incapable of upholding

Highlights a lack of capacity to support or defend something.

I'm not able to support

Emphasizes the inability to provide assistance or resources.

I find it impossible to continue

Stresses the difficulty in prolonging an activity or situation.

I can't keep up

Indicates a struggle to maintain pace or standard.

I'm not equipped to handle

Focuses on the lack of resources or skills to manage something.

I'm at my breaking point

Expresses reaching the limit of what one can endure.

I'm reaching my limit

Similar to 'breaking point', but indicates approaching the limit.

I'm unable to endure

Highlights the lack of ability to tolerate something difficult.

I'm unable to finance

Emphasizes the financial impossibility to support something.

FAQs

How can I use "I cannot sustain" in a sentence?

Use "I cannot sustain" to express your inability to continue or maintain something, such as a high level of effort, a financial burden, or an unhealthy relationship. For example, "After months of working overtime, "I cannot sustain" this pace."

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

You can use alternatives like "I cannot maintain", "I'm unable to uphold", or "I cannot support" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I cannot sustain" or "I can't sustain"?

Both ""I cannot sustain"" and "I can't sustain" are grammatically correct. The former is more formal, while the latter is more conversational.

What's the difference between "I cannot sustain" and "I will not sustain"?

""I cannot sustain"" implies an inability to continue due to limitations, while "I will not sustain" expresses a refusal to continue, often due to a conscious decision or objection.