I cannot verify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot verify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an inability to confirm or validate information or a statement. Example: "Due to the lack of evidence, I cannot verify the claims made in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I cannot verify his identity.

The Guardian

"I cannot verify that the child made the association".

The New York Times

"I apologize; I cannot verify this for you since the phone lines are still down".

The New York Times

By measuring my office I can verify the amount of usable space I have, but I cannot verify the rentable space.

The New York Times

Asked if the police had fired any warning shots, he said, "I cannot verify if any warnings shots were fired, but it is procedural for warning shots to be fired first".

The New York Times

I cannot verify or dismiss this claim, but I can say that it's perfectly normal behavior to have pictures of your ex-wife in a state of undress in your office.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

We cannot certify what we cannot verify.

The New York Times

"Whether archaeologists can or cannot verify is a separate question on a different level".

The New York Times

A DWP spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaked data which we cannot verify.

Independent

The newspaper says that it cannot verify the video's authenticity.

BBC

Live Mint's editor, Sukumar Ranganathan, said that the publication isn't running the story because it cannot verify the authenticity of the documents.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I cannot verify" when you genuinely lack the means or information to confirm something. Avoid using it as a way to subtly dismiss information you disagree with without providing a valid reason.

Common error

Avoid using "I cannot verify" when you actually mean "I doubt" or "I don't believe it". These phrases express a personal opinion rather than a lack of verification capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot verify" functions as a declarative statement expressing an inability to confirm or validate information. Ludwig shows examples where this phrase is used in news reports, scientific articles, and general discussions to indicate a lack of sufficient evidence or means for verification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I cannot verify" is a common phrase used to express an inability to confirm the truth or accuracy of something due to a lack of evidence or means. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings. While seemingly interchangeable with "I cannot confirm", it is important to avoid its misuse as a substitute for expressing doubt or disbelief. Remember to provide context for why you can't verify something to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am unable to confirm

Replaces "cannot" with "am unable to", indicating a lack of ability.

I am not able to validate

Uses "validate" instead of "verify", emphasizing the establishment of validity.

I have no way to confirm

Expresses a complete absence of methods for verification.

I am not in a position to verify

Indicates a lack of authorization or access to confirm.

I cannot authenticate this

Replaces "verify" with "authenticate", focusing on proving genuineness.

I'm not able to ascertain

Replaces "verify" with "ascertain", focusing on finding something out for certain.

I lack the means to verify

Emphasizes the absence of resources or tools for verification.

Confirmation is not possible for me

Focuses on the impossibility of confirmation from the speaker's perspective.

It is not possible for me to verify

Shifts the focus to the general impossibility of verification for the speaker.

Verification is beyond my capacity

Highlights the limitations of the speaker's ability.

FAQs

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

Use "I cannot verify" when you are unable to confirm the truth or accuracy of something due to a lack of evidence or access to information. For example, "I cannot verify the claims made in the report without further investigation".

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

You can use alternatives like "I am unable to confirm", "I have no way to confirm", or "I cannot authenticate this" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "I cannot verify" or "I do not know"?

"I cannot verify" indicates a lack of ability to confirm something, while "I do not know" indicates a lack of knowledge. Use "I cannot verify" when you are presented with a claim or statement but lack the means to validate it. Use "I do not know" when you are simply unaware of the information.

What's the difference between "I cannot verify" and "I cannot confirm"?

The phrases "I cannot verify" and "I cannot confirm" are largely interchangeable. Both express an inability to establish the truth or accuracy of something. "Verify" often implies a more rigorous or formal process of checking, while "confirm" can be used in broader contexts.