cannot be accepted

USAGE SUMMARY

'cannot be accepted' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain idea, opinion, or action is not acceptable and cannot be tolerated. For example: "His recent behaviour of stealing from his colleagues cannot be accepted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That demand cannot be accepted".

The New York Times

"That cannot be accepted, whatever the reason".

The New York Times

It therefore cannot be accepted as legitimate.

The Guardian - Opinion

• Entries without a signed entry form cannot be accepted.

The Guardian

"This is a norm that cannot be accepted internationally at the threshold of the 21st century.

The New York Times

"If children are making others' lives miserable, if they are disrupting learning, that cannot be accepted.

The Guardian

It cannot be accepted, especially since we went through the notification of our facilities twice.

The New York Times

"Violence against women and girls cannot be accepted in any shape, form or manner".

The Guardian

"The old formula cannot be accepted anymore and doesn't lead to a permanent deal.

The New York Times

PLO lawyers responded that that was "not serious and cannot be accepted".

The Guardian

Both refuse to allow any public funding for abortion, so Medicaid cannot be accepted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be accepted" when stating a firm refusal or disapproval of an action, idea, or proposal. It is effective in formal and neutral contexts where clarity and decisiveness are required.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be accepted" in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "not okay" or "unacceptable" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be accepted" primarily functions as a passive construction expressing prohibition or disapproval. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be accepted" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to express firm rejection or prohibition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a passive construction suitable for conveying that something is not permissible. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. For more casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "is unacceptable". When used correctly, this phrase effectively communicates a clear and decisive stance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unacceptable

Replaces the passive voice with a direct adjective, implying a stronger stance of non-acceptance.

is not allowed

A simpler and more direct way of expressing that something is prohibited or not permitted.

is not permissible

Similar to 'is not allowed' but carries a slightly more formal tone.

is inadmissible

More formal, often used in legal or official contexts to denote something not allowed or valid.

will not be tolerated

Emphasizes a lack of tolerance for something, suggesting a firm and unwavering stance.

is rejected

A more direct verb-based alternative, indicating a clear refusal or dismissal.

is refused

Similar to 'is rejected', but can also imply a personal or deliberate act of denial.

is out of the question

Indicates that something is completely impossible or unacceptable; leaves no room for negotiation.

is not an option

Suggests that something is not a viable or feasible choice.

is beyond the pale

An idiomatic expression meaning something is completely unacceptable or inappropriate.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be accepted" to express that something is not permissible or tolerable. For example, "That excuse "cannot be accepted" in this situation."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be accepted"?

You can use alternatives such as "is unacceptable", "is inadmissible", or "is not allowed" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be accepted"?

It is appropriate in formal or professional settings when you need to convey that something is definitively not allowed or permissible. Using stronger terms can give your point more impact.

What is the difference between "cannot be accepted" and "should not be accepted"?

"Cannot be accepted" implies a stricter prohibition, while "should not be accepted" suggests a recommendation against acceptance. The former is more decisive.