cannot be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express impossibility or lack of possibility. For example: "This problem cannot be solved without more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We cannot be touched".

The New York Times

You cannot be admitted".

The New York Times

Friends cannot be neglected".

Independent

Americans cannot be trusted".

Independent

"Iran cannot be reformed..

The New York Times - Books

They cannot be both.

The Economist

It cannot be industrialized.

The New York Times

It cannot be changed".

The New York Times - Magazine

It cannot be.

The New York Times

This cannot be acceptable.

The New York Times

It cannot be avoided.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be" to express a firm impossibility or something that is against rules or laws. For emphasis, consider stronger alternatives like "is absolutely impossible".

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be" when you mean "should not be". "Cannot be" indicates an impossibility, while "should not be" expresses a recommendation or moral stance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be" functions as a modal construction, expressing impossibility, prohibition, or certainty about the state of something. Examples from Ludwig, such as "It "cannot be denied"" and "This "cannot be questioned"", illustrate its role in stating definitive conclusions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be" is a versatile phrase used to express impossibility, prohibition, or strong certainty. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. It appears most commonly in news and media, science, and encyclopedia contexts. When using "cannot be", ensure it accurately reflects an impossibility rather than a mere preference or suggestion. Consider alternatives like "is impossible" or "is not possible" for slight variations in emphasis. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "cannot be" to strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is impossible

Emphasizes the complete lack of possibility.

is not possible

Focuses on the lack of possibility or feasibility.

is out of the question

Expresses that something is completely unacceptable or not to be considered.

must not be

Indicates a strong prohibition or requirement against something.

is not an option

Suggests that something is not a viable choice.

is not allowed

Highlights a lack of permission or authorization.

is infeasible

Highlights that something is not practical or workable.

is precluded

Formally indicates that something is prevented from happening.

is unachievable

Similar to unattainable, emphasizing the lack of ability to achieve something.

is unattainable

Focuses on the impossibility of achieving something.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be" to indicate that something is impossible or not allowed. For example, "That "cannot be true"" or "This "cannot be tolerated"".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be"?

Alternatives include "is impossible", "is not possible", or "is out of the question", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "cannot be" and "should not be"?

"Cannot be" signifies an impossibility, while "should not be" expresses a recommendation or opinion. For instance, "That "cannot be" the solution" means it's impossible, while "That "should not be" the solution" suggests it's undesirable.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing to express impossibility or a strict prohibition. Ensure the context clearly indicates a genuine impossibility rather than a preference or suggestion. It "cannot be overstated" that clarity is important.