I cannot throw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot throw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an inability to throw something, whether due to physical limitations, lack of permission, or other reasons. Example: "Due to my injury, I cannot throw the ball as I used to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I cannot throw eggs.

The New Yorker

When I opened the vial of orange-blossom oil to empty it too, though, I smelled it again and thought, No, I cannot throw this away.

The New York Times - Magazine

I cannot throw enough stupid crystal glasses at walls or scream enough.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The FSA is reluctant to let banks go bust on its watch, yet it cannot throw them a lifeline.

The Economist

"Some days, I don't know what happens, I literally cannot throw the baseball anywhere I want it to go," he said.

The New York Times

The development minister, Dirk Niebel, supported him, saying that, with hundreds of millions of starving people around the world, and people at home struggling to put food on the table, "I think we cannot throw away good food here in Germany".

The New York Times

Sort the objects out in order of value starting from (Real rubbish to I might have kept this for some reason to Definitely cannot throw away or lose).

WikiHow

We are rather free as GPs – you know, they cannot fire us… well, they can fire me from the position as a municipal practice consultant but they cannot throw me out of the window in my own clinic, so I think we are pretty strong, and I take advantage of that to share my opinion".

BMC Family Practice

"You cannot throw this check away".

The New Yorker

"You cannot throw that away," he said.

The New York Times - Food

• My parents cannot throw anything away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary or situational inability, consider using "I cannot throw" to clearly convey the current restriction or limitation.

Common error

Avoid using "I cannot throw" when a more precise verb or phrase would better convey the intended meaning. For instance, instead of "I cannot throw it away", consider "I shouldn't discard it" to clarify the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot throw" functions as a statement of inability. It indicates that the speaker lacks the capacity or permission to perform the action of throwing. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to express physical limitations or restrictions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I cannot throw" is a grammatically sound and usable expression indicating an inability or restriction. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct. While not exceedingly common, it appears in contexts such as news and media, suggesting broad applicability. Consider factors like formality and context when choosing this phrase over alternatives like "I am unable to throw". When precise language is needed, it's crucial to be aware of any potential misunderstandings and choose the most accurate way to communicate the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am unable to throw

Replaces "cannot" with "am unable to", maintaining the same meaning.

I'm not allowed to throw

Shifts from inability to prohibition.

I am forbidden from throwing

More formal expression of prohibition.

It is impossible for me to throw

Emphasizes the impossibility of the action.

I lack the ability to throw

Focuses on the absence of the necessary skill.

I have no capacity to throw

Similar to lacking the ability, but emphasizes physical capability.

I am restricted from throwing

Highlights a restriction preventing the action.

I may not throw

Expresses permission denial.

Throwing is not an option for me

Indicates that throwing is not a viable possibility.

My throwing is impaired

Specifies that the ability to throw is diminished or damaged.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, use "I am unable to throw" or "I lack the ability to throw". These alternatives, like "I am unable to throw", provide a more elevated expression of the same concept.

What's the difference between "I cannot throw" and "I must not throw"?

"I cannot throw" indicates an inability or lack of capacity, while "I must not throw" implies a prohibition or rule. For example, you might say "I cannot throw because of my injury," but "I must not throw because it is against the rules".

Is it correct to say "I can't throw" instead of "I cannot throw"?

Yes, "I can't throw" is a common contraction of "I cannot throw" and is perfectly acceptable in most informal contexts. However, "I cannot throw" might be preferred in more formal writing or when emphasizing the inability.

When should I use "I am not able to throw" instead of "I cannot throw"?

"I am not able to throw" and "I cannot throw" are often interchangeable, but "I am not able to throw" can sometimes emphasize a temporary or situational inability, whereas "I cannot throw" can suggest a more general or permanent lack of ability.