I cannot touch that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot touch that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an inability or unwillingness to engage with a particular subject, object, or situation. Example: "When it comes to discussing politics at family gatherings, I cannot touch that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I cannot touch that level of goodness.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But since Mr. de Blasio won the primary without the need for a runoff, he cannot touch that money until January, at which point he could transfer it into a new account for re-election (if he wins) or for other purposes.

The New York Times

Perversely this is also the time I cannot touch it.

The Guardian - Arts

"It reminds me of taking over at Claridge's 10 years ago, and even before I got anywhere near the place, British Heritage wanting to have a word saying, 'You cannot touch that marble and you are not going anywhere near those mirrors,' " Ramsay says.

The New York Times

He cannot touch that.

The New York Times - Magazine

I could never touch that".

The New Yorker

Asked about Young's booking, the third of the winger's career for diving, the Dutchman said: "I have said that he has been touched by the opponent in the 16m area and when it is like that there are referees who are whistling because you cannot touch players in that area because it is a risk".

BBC

Indian philosophers who accept this principle cite supportive instances such as the knife that cannot cut itself and the finger-tip that cannot touch itself.

SEP

Instead, the government has bought itself some valuable time by ordering that depositors cannot touch their money until all judicial appeals have been exhausted in each individual case.

The New York Times

No! While the future of DAPA and DACA expansion could be tied up in the courts for the next few weeks or (maybe even months), Republicans cannot touch Obama's immigration actions that are already being implemented.

Huffington Post

"I passed him on the outside in Turn 1 and basically was by and went really wide to make sure that he cannot touch me at all," Schumacher said, "and I would say he didn't take the tightest line to avoid me touching".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I cannot touch that" when you want to emphasize a firm boundary or prohibition, whether it's physical, emotional, or conceptual. It can convey respect, fear, or a clear understanding of limits.

Common error

While "I cannot touch that" is a valid expression, overusing it can make your language sound repetitive or overly dramatic. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences for variety and nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot touch that" functions as a declarative statement expressing an inability or prohibition. It clearly communicates a boundary, whether physical or metaphorical. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I cannot touch that" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to indicate an inability or prohibition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and can be used across various contexts. Its rarity suggests that while correct, it might not be the most common way to express this idea. More frequent usage contexts include news, science, and general discussions. When writing, consider synonyms like "I'm unable to interact with that" or "That's off-limits to me" to avoid repetition and enhance clarity. While it is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing for more clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That's untouchable for me

Implies that something is so sacred or restricted that it cannot be touched.

I'm unable to interact with that

Replaces "cannot touch" with a more formal synonym, "unable to interact with".

I can't get involved in that

Focuses on avoiding involvement or participation in a particular situation.

I'm prohibited from handling that

Emphasizes a formal restriction using "prohibited from handling".

I won't go near that

Expresses a deliberate choice to avoid something, often due to apprehension or dislike.

That's off-limits to me

Uses a more informal and direct expression of something being forbidden.

I must refrain from that

Indicates a deliberate act of self-restraint and avoidance.

That is beyond my reach

Metaphorically implies that something is unattainable or not within one's scope.

I have no access to that

Highlights the lack of permission or ability to reach something.

I am not allowed to meddle with that

Suggests that one isn't permitted or advised to get involved.

FAQs

How can I use "I cannot touch that" in a sentence?

You can use "I cannot touch that" to indicate something is off-limits or forbidden. For instance, "That project is under someone else's responsibility; I cannot touch that."

What does "I cannot touch that" imply?

It suggests a boundary or prohibition, indicating the speaker is either unable or unwilling to engage with a specific subject, object, or situation. The specific implication depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "I cannot touch that"?

Alternatives include "I'm unable to interact with that", "That's off-limits to me", or "I must refrain from that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "I cannot touch that" a formal or informal expression?

While grammatically sound, "I cannot touch that" leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. In very formal contexts, consider using more precise or technical language depending on the subject.