cannot be allowed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be allowed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a prohibition or restriction on an action or behavior. Example: "In this organization, any form of harassment cannot be allowed to continue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Africa cannot be allowed to slide backwards.

The Economist

It cannot be allowed to happen.

The New York Times

But it cannot be allowed to prevail.

Independent

"This situation cannot be allowed to continue".

The New York Times

This cannot be allowed to happen again.

The Guardian

That cannot be allowed to happen again.

The New York Times

This trend cannot be allowed to continue.

The Guardian

This cannot be allowed to pass.

The Guardian - Sport

These tactics cannot be allowed to succeed.

The Washington Post

It cannot be allowed to succeed.

The Guardian - Opinion

That example cannot be allowed to stand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be allowed to", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what authority is imposing the restriction.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "cannot be allowed to" in overly casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "can't" or "shouldn't" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be allowed to" functions as a modal phrase expressing prohibition or strong disapproval. It indicates that a particular action or situation is deemed unacceptable and should not be permitted to occur. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be allowed to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express prohibition or strong disapproval. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable and usable in written English. It is common in news and media, as well as academic writing, but can sound somewhat formal in very casual settings. Alternatives like "must not be permitted to" or "should not be allowed to" can provide varying degrees of emphasis depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not be permitted to

Replaces "cannot be allowed to" with stronger emphasis on obligation using "must not" and a more formal "permitted".

is strictly prohibited

Emphasizes a clear and firm ban, using "strictly" for additional force.

is not permissible

Uses the formal term "permissible" to indicate something is not allowed, often in official contexts.

should not be allowed to

Uses "should not" for a softer, advisory tone instead of a strict prohibition.

cannot be tolerated

Highlights the idea that something is unbearable and therefore disallowed.

is forbidden

Uses a simple, direct term to convey something is not allowed.

is unacceptable

Emphasizes the lack of acceptability directly rather than focusing on allowance.

must be prevented

Shifts focus to the action of preventing something from happening.

is out of the question

Indicates that something is completely impossible or not worth considering.

is not an option

Presents something as an unviable choice or course of action.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be allowed to" to express that something should not happen or continue because it's unacceptable or undesirable. For example, "This behavior "cannot be allowed to" continue."

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

You can use alternatives such as "must not be permitted to", "should not be allowed to", or "is unacceptable" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "cannot be allowed to" formal or informal?

"Cannot be allowed to" is generally considered neutral to formal. While it's grammatically sound, consider the audience and context. In very casual settings, simpler expressions may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "cannot be allowed to" and "must not be allowed to"?

Both express prohibition, but "must not be allowed to" carries a stronger sense of obligation or necessity. It implies a higher degree of importance or urgency in preventing something.