cannot attend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot attend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when informing someone that you are unable to be present at an event or meeting. Example: "I regret to inform you that I cannot attend the meeting scheduled for tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Torre cannot attend the Derby.

The New York Times - Sports

Some players cannot attend midweek practices.

The New York Times - Sports

Because of the turmoil, Indonesia's foreign minister cannot attend.

The Economist

Unfortunately, because of a scheduling conflict, Mr. Harrison cannot attend.

The New York Times - Arts

I cannot attend the event given all of this".

The Guardian - Books

wants to reach fans who follow its teams but cannot attend their home games, Anselmi said.

The New York Times - Sports

Adolescent girls cannot attend school in many areas, and attacks are routine.

The New York Times

But until Iran agrees publicly, the West's official position is that Iran cannot attend.

Independent

Sometimes even the coaches cannot attend every session owing to other commitments.

Independent

Jim Davidson Leading the famous 1980s figures who cannot attend is her favourite comedian Jim Davidson.

Independent

Mr. Zalben recalled the polite e-mail messages sent by the fan when he cannot attend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When informing someone you "cannot attend", provide a brief, polite reason if appropriate. This helps maintain good relationships and avoids misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using phrases that imply a lack of desire rather than an inability. For instance, using "will not attend" without a clear reason can be perceived as impolite or dismissive, whereas "cannot attend" usually implies an unavoidable circumstance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot attend" functions as a declarative statement expressing the inability to be present at an event or location. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common and acceptable way to communicate this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot attend" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the inability to be present at an event or location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and acceptable in various contexts. Its primary function is to inform others of one's absence, often accompanied by a polite explanation. While suitable for neutral and professional settings, related phrases like "unable to attend" may offer a slightly more formal tone. It's important to differentiate this from phrases that might imply a lack of desire rather than an inability. The phrase is very common, appearing frequently in news, wiki, and scientific sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to attend

Replaces "cannot" with "unable to", maintaining the same meaning with a slightly more formal tone.

not able to attend

Similar to "unable to attend", this option uses a more explicit phrasing to indicate the lack of ability to be present.

will be absent from

Focuses on the state of being away from the event, rather than the inability to attend.

will not be present at

A more formal way of saying someone will not be at an event or location.

unable to be there

A more general way to express the inability to attend a specific event, focusing on presence.

cannot make it to

An informal phrasing expressing the inability to reach or attend an event.

will have to miss

Indicates regret and obligation in not being able to attend something.

precluded from attending

Suggests that something prevents attendance, often due to external reasons.

prevented from attending

Similar to "precluded from attending", indicating an external obstruction.

constrained from attending

Implies attendance is blocked by circumstances or obligations.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "cannot attend"?

You can use alternatives like "unable to attend", "not able to attend", or "will be absent from" depending on the context.

Is it more polite to say "cannot attend" or "will not attend"?

"Cannot attend" generally implies an unavoidable circumstance preventing attendance, while "will not attend" can sound less polite if not accompanied by a reason. Using "unable to attend" can also soften the message.

How to use "cannot attend" in a formal email?

In a formal email, use "cannot attend" followed by a polite explanation. For example: "I regret to inform you that I "cannot attend" the conference due to a prior commitment."

What is the difference between "cannot attend" and "could not attend"?

"Cannot attend" refers to a present or future event, indicating a current inability. "Could not attend" refers to a past event, indicating an inability that occurred at that time.