as this cannot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as this cannot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a limitation or impossibility related to a preceding statement or context. Example: "We cannot proceed with the project as this cannot be completed within the given timeframe."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Shows such as this cannot compare.

The Guardian - Arts

As bad a decision as this cannot remain unpunished.

Independent

A movement as historical as this cannot be summarised in such superficial terms.

The Guardian

Finances as troubled as this cannot be repaired easily and the debt will grow for several years to come.

The Economist

Equally a game as one-sided as this cannot sensibly be taken as an accurate barometer when their opponents were so utterly abject.

The Guardian - Sport

As this cannot be the case with a jigsaw puzzle, when it is faced by one the system has a nervous breakdown.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

We hypothesize that in the retina exon 3 is skipped as well, although this cannot be confirmed experimentally.

Human Molecular Genetics

37, 38 As such, this cannot be considered a viable alternative at present.

Cancer Management and Research

As a result, this cannot qualify as aiding or abetting the enemy.

Huffington Post

But this cannot end as long as Israeli governments rise or fall on the support of haredi parties.

The New York Times

As Lindsay explains, this cannot possibly be the end of it, in terms of economics or morality.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as this cannot", ensure that the preceding clause clearly establishes the context to which "this" refers. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as this cannot" when the causal relationship is not clear or when a more direct causal connector like "because" or "since" would improve clarity. Misusing the phrase can lead to convoluted or confusing sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as this cannot" functions as a causal connector, linking a reason or condition to a consequence. It introduces an explanation for why something is not possible or feasible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as this cannot" serves as a causal connector, explaining why something is not possible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase sees common use across scientific, news, and formal business contexts, it's essential to ensure that the referent of "this" is unambiguous to maintain clarity. More formal alternatives like "given that this is" can be used to adjust the tone. Remember to avoid misusing the phrase when a more direct connector like "because" would be clearer. The frequency of the expression is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is simply not possible

Adds emphasis to the impossibility using "simply", making the statement more emphatic.

since this is not possible

Replaces "as" with "since" and uses "is not possible" instead of "cannot" for a more explicit statement of impossibility.

because this is unachievable

Substitutes "as" with "because" and "cannot" with "is unachievable", emphasizing the reason for the impossibility.

given that this is infeasible

Replaces "as" with "given that" and "cannot" with "is infeasible", providing a more formal tone.

considering this is not viable

Uses "considering" instead of "as" and "is not viable" in place of "cannot", indicating a lack of practicality.

seeing that this is unattainable

Employs "seeing that" to replace "as" and "is unattainable" for "cannot", highlighting the impossibility of reaching a certain outcome.

in light of this impossibility

Changes the structure to emphasize the impossibility directly, using "in light of" to connect it.

due to this being unfeasible

Replaces "as" with "due to" and uses the gerund "being unfeasible" instead of "cannot", indicating causation.

this is not an option

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct statement that something is not a choice or possibility.

this is out of the question

Expresses a firm rejection or impossibility using a common idiomatic expression.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as this cannot" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "given that this is", "in light of this", or "due to the fact that this".

Is there a difference in meaning between "as this cannot" and "because this cannot"?

While both phrases indicate a causal relationship, "as this cannot" often implies that the reason is already understood or established. "Because this cannot" may introduce the reason more directly.

What are some common synonyms for "cannot" in the phrase "as this cannot"?

Common synonyms include "is not possible", "is unachievable", "is infeasible", "is unattainable", or "is not viable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How do I avoid ambiguity when using "as this cannot"?

Ensure that the "this" clearly refers to a specific and easily identifiable element from the preceding context. If there's any chance of confusion, rephrase to be more explicit.