cannot be answered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cannot be answered' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a question has no definite answer, or that a particular question is impossible to answer. For example, "What is the meaning of life? That is a question that cannot be answered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unpublished questions cannot be answered individually.

The New York Times

"Madness cannot be answered with madness".

The New York Times

How much Ruth wore the jersey cannot be answered.

The New York Times - Sports

Many of these questions cannot be answered right now".

The Guardian

"Madness cannot be answered with madness," he declared.

The New York Times

But it raises a few troubling questions, most of which cannot be answered quickly.

The New York Times

Some of them cannot be answered definitively, but we will give it our best shot.

The New York Times

"I am certain this (problem) cannot be answered," he told TES.

Independent

That's a big question that cannot be answered in one or two sentences.

The New York Times

Even so basic a question as whether the sea level is rising cannot be answered properly.

The Economist

The book's last three chapter titles ask the question that cannot be answered: Why.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be answered", ensure the context clearly indicates why the question is unanswerable—lack of information, inherent ambiguity, or theoretical limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be answered" when the question is merely difficult or requires further investigation. Reserve it for situations where a definitive answer is truly impossible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be answered" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the impossibility of answering a question. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts to express definitive unanswerability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be answered" is a versatile phrase used to denote that a question or problem lacks a definitive solution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While suitable for formal contexts, its usage should be reserved for scenarios where a genuine impossibility of response exists. Consider alternatives such as "cannot be resolved" or "remains unanswered" for nuanced expressions. When you use the phrase "cannot be answered", remember to ensure clarity by clearly explain the context of why it cannot be answered. The examples show that this phrase is used in many News & Media and Science, as well as Formal & Business areas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be resolved

Focuses on the inability to find a solution or settlement to a problem or question.

cannot be determined

Highlights the impossibility of ascertaining or establishing something with certainty.

cannot be ascertained

Similar to 'determined' but suggests a more formal or investigative context.

remains unanswered

Indicates that a question has not yet received a response or solution.

is unanswerable

Directly states that the question is inherently impossible to answer.

is not solvable

Emphasizes the lack of a feasible solution to a problem.

lies beyond resolution

Suggests that the issue is too complex or fundamental to be resolved.

defies explanation

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of providing a rational account or reason.

is an open question

Indicates that the issue is still under debate and lacks a consensus.

is beyond comprehension

Suggests that the matter is too complex or abstract to be understood.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be answered" to indicate that a question is impossible to answer, such as "Why do bad things happen to good people? That's a question that "cannot be answered" definitively."

What phrases are similar to "cannot be answered"?

Similar phrases include "cannot be resolved", "remains unanswered", or "is unanswerable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cannot be answered" in formal writing?

Yes, "cannot be answered" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or nuanced phrase like "cannot be determined" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "cannot be answered" and "has not been answered"?

"Cannot be answered" implies that no answer is possible, while "has not been answered" simply means that an answer hasn't been found yet. A question that "cannot be answered" might be philosophical, while a question that 'has not been answered' might require further research.