cannot be adhered to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be adhered to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing rules, guidelines, or standards that cannot be followed or complied with. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the original timeline cannot be adhered to."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In these circumstances, some women indicated that it was best not to even start breastfeeding [ 25, 43], particularly if important postpartum cultural practices that maintain health and energy cannot be adhered to.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ordering etiquette must be adhered to.

The Economist

But the basics must be adhered to.

The Guardian - Opinion

* Natural justice must be adhered to.

Wikipedia

This is adhered to strictly".

The Guardian - Business

The fundamental principles have been adhered to.

The Guardian - Business

Procedure was adhered to almost to the letter.

The New Yorker

"And people appreciate when it's adhered to.

The New York Times - Style

In the end, our agreement was adhered to.

The New York Times

If particles melted, they were adhered to a surface.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Officers' directives were adhered to without incident.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be adhered to", clearly state the specific rule, guideline, or standard that is impossible to follow. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "cannot be adhered to" without explaining why. Provide a clear explanation of the obstacles or constraints that prevent compliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be adhered to" functions as a modal phrase expressing impossibility or inability to comply with a rule, standard, or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms this usage by providing examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be adhered to" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the impossibility of complying with a rule, standard, or agreement. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and applicability across various domains. While not extremely frequent, it appears primarily in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide clear context regarding the reasons for non-compliance to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as ""cannot be complied with"" or ""cannot be followed"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be complied with

Emphasizes the impossibility of meeting requirements or regulations.

cannot be followed

Focuses on the inability to proceed according to a particular path or instruction.

cannot be observed

Highlights the failure to respect or uphold something, such as a law or tradition.

cannot be maintained

Suggests that something is impossible to preserve or keep in its current state.

cannot be honored

Implies a failure to fulfill a commitment or promise.

cannot be respected

Focuses on the impossibility of acknowledging or valuing something.

cannot be upheld

Suggests the inability to support or defend a rule or principle.

cannot be enforced

Highlights the impracticality of making people obey a law or rule.

cannot be met

Emphasizes the failure to achieve a specific target or standard.

is impossible to adhere to

Uses a more explicit structure to convey the impossibility of compliance.

FAQs

What does "cannot be adhered to" mean?

The phrase "cannot be adhered to" means that a rule, guideline, standard, or agreement is impossible to follow or comply with due to certain constraints or circumstances.

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

You can use "cannot be adhered to" in sentences such as: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the original timeline "cannot be adhered to"." or "The new safety regulations "cannot be adhered to" without significant investment in new equipment."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be adhered to"?

Alternatives to "cannot be adhered to" include "cannot be complied with", "cannot be followed", or is impossible to meet. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cannot be adhered to" or "cannot adhere to"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "cannot be adhered to" (passive voice) emphasizes the rule or guideline that is impossible to follow, while "cannot adhere to" (active voice) emphasizes the actor's inability to follow the rule.