cannot assure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot assure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lack of certainty or guarantee regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "I cannot assure you that the project will be completed on time, but we are doing our best to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Indeed, even the use of reinforcing steel cannot assure safety.

The New York Times

We cannot assure perfect outcomes, but we must work together to achieve perfect care for our patients.

The New York Times

President Bush would do well to adopt a tone recognizing that America cannot assure security by itself.

The New York Times

It follows, then, that even a decisive proof that there is an all-good, all-powerful God cannot assure us that we are ultimately safe.

The New York Times

But changing nicknames cannot assure a winning team, is expensive and can alienate fans, all things Jordan will have to consider.

The New York Times

"USAid's mission director, Nancy Estes, said: "The development of quality textbooks alone cannot assure the quality of education unless teachers are trained in the use of the textbooks".

The Guardian

But the Vermont bill cannot assure gay partners of federal rights and benefits, and civil unions, unlike marriages, are not expected to be recognized in other states.

The New York Times

If Michel cannot assure Tusk that Belgium will be able to let the EU sign the Ceta agreement, then Thursday's EU-Canada summit will be postponed.

The Guardian - Business

We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your shares.

The New York Times

But they cannot assure a majority for Mr Herzog, leaving him with just 56 seats.Mr Herzog thus needs a deal with the Joint List of Arab and communist groups that may get 13 seats.

The Economist

"This could lead to increasing the power of the military in government, as if to say we civilians cannot assure order in the country, " said Leo Valladares, the national commissioner for human rights.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot assure", clarify the reasons for the uncertainty to maintain transparency and build trust with your audience.

Common error

Avoid using language that implies certainty when you "cannot assure" a particular outcome. Overpromising can lead to disappointment and erode credibility. Instead, acknowledge the uncertainty and focus on the steps being taken to mitigate risks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot assure" functions as a negative declarative expressing an inability to guarantee a particular outcome or result. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is used to convey uncertainty and manage expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot assure" serves as a crucial tool for managing expectations and conveying uncertainty in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in science, news, and business. Alternatives like "cannot guarantee" and "cannot promise" offer similar meanings, with subtle differences in formality and emphasis. When using "cannot assure", it's essential to provide context for the uncertainty to foster transparency and trust. Avoid overpromising and focus on managing risks to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot guarantee

Replaces "assure" with "guarantee", emphasizing a formal promise.

cannot promise

Replaces "assure" with "promise", conveying a personal commitment.

cannot ensure

Replaces "assure" with "ensure", highlighting the act of making something certain.

cannot warrant

Replaces "assure" with "warrant", suggesting a formal or legal guarantee.

cannot confirm

Replaces "assure" with "confirm", focusing on verifying the truth or accuracy of something.

cannot ascertain

Replaces "assure" with "ascertain", emphasizing the effort to find something out for certain.

cannot vouch for

Replaces "assure" with "vouch for", indicating personal support and belief in something.

cannot attest to

Replaces "assure" with "attest to", suggesting formal testimony or declaration.

cannot swear to

Replaces "assure" with "swear to", indicating a solemn and formal declaration.

cannot certify

Replaces "assure" with "certify", implying official confirmation or endorsement.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "cannot assure" in a sentence?

Use "cannot assure" when you want to convey that you are unable to guarantee a specific outcome due to various factors, such as uncertainty or external influences. It's suitable when you want to be honest about the limitations of your control or knowledge.

What are some alternatives to "cannot assure" that I can use in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "cannot guarantee", "cannot promise", or "cannot ensure" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

How does "cannot assure" differ from "cannot guarantee"?

"Cannot assure" and "cannot guarantee" are often interchangeable, but "guarantee" implies a stronger level of certainty. "Assure" suggests a degree of confidence but acknowledges that outcomes can still vary.

Is "cannot assure" grammatically correct?

Yes, "cannot assure" is grammatically correct. It's a common and acceptable way to express a lack of certainty or guarantee in both formal and informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.