cannot be achieved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be achieved" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to express that something cannot be accomplished or completed. For example: "Our goal of a successful merger between the two companies cannot be achieved without proper negotiation and cooperation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It cannot be achieved".

The New Yorker

Modernization cannot be achieved out of chaos".

The New York Times

But that cannot be achieved overnight.

The Economist

2. This cannot be achieved otherwise".

The New York Times

It cannot be achieved by vague commitments.

The Guardian

This cannot be achieved in three years.

The Guardian

This target cannot be achieved through universities alone.

The Guardian

But you must know that this cannot be achieved overnight.

The Guardian

But they cannot be achieved in a matter of months.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those goals cannot be achieved by rhetoric alone.

The New York Times

Combating hunger and malnutrition cannot be achieved through aid alone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be achieved", ensure the subject and context clearly define what is impossible to accomplish. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be achieved" when a situation is merely difficult or improbable. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where success is genuinely impossible, not just challenging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be achieved" functions as a modal construction indicating impossibility. It combines the negative modal verb "cannot" with the passive infinitive "be achieved", expressing that a particular outcome is unattainable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be achieved" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express impossibility. Ludwig AI affirms its validity for use in different contexts. Its prevalence in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" indicates a neutral register. While the phrase itself is straightforward, careful consideration of context and alternatives like "is unachievable" or "is not feasible" can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure the impossibility is genuine to avoid overstating the case. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase "cannot be achieved" to convey impossibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unachievable

Uses a single adjective to convey the impossibility of achievement.

is simply not possible

Direct and straightforward in expressing impossibility.

is unattainable

Synonymous, but perhaps slightly more formal, emphasizing the lack of attainability.

is impossible to accomplish

Emphasizes the impossibility of completing a task.

is not feasible

Highlights the impracticality of achieving something.

is out of reach

Suggests that something is beyond one's capabilities or resources.

is unrealizable

Similar to 'unattainable' but focuses on the lack of ability to make something real.

lies beyond our grasp

More metaphorical, indicating that something is unattainable.

is beyond the realm of possibility

Strongly emphasizes the impossibility of something happening.

is destined to fail

Indicates an inevitable lack of success or achievement.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be achieved" to express that something is impossible to accomplish. For example, "Peace "cannot be achieved" without compromise".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be achieved"?

You can use alternatives such as "is unachievable", "is not feasible", or "is impossible to accomplish" depending on the context.

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

Use "cannot be achieved" when you want to emphasize that a specific goal or outcome is entirely impossible to reach under the given circumstances.

Is "cannot be achieved" formal or informal?

"Cannot be achieved" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than the phrase itself.