cannot be approved

USAGE SUMMARY

'cannot be approved' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express something that is not allowed or has been refused. For example, "The requested vacation time cannot be approved due to staffing constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

cannot be approved unless and until it shall have been submitted to the Planning Commission, for approval or disapproval.

Cornell University

Therefore, the Subordination Injunction cannot be approved.

Harvard University

On that basis, sources say, the full bailout cannot be approved.

The Guardian - Business

Because the General Injunction incorporates all claims released in the Release and the Exculpation Provision, which I have determined cannot be approved, the General Injunction, likewise, cannot be approved.

Harvard University

Such letters are issued when the agency determines that an application cannot be approved in its existing form.

The New York Times

Yet if the "lite" reforms cannot be approved, then the oil industry definitely is set to further decline.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

You are talking about the Thursday announcements on foreign direct investment in pensions and insurance, which require parliamentary approval and cannot simply be approved by the cabinet.

The New York Times

Moreover, because tax legislation by law must originate in the House, the Senate bill, even if it passes in its present form, cannot simply be approved by the lower chamber.

Forbes

The terms of his detention are strict, however: he cannot leave, visitors must be approved in advance, and he is prohibited from making calls or sending e-mails without prior authorization — leaving him no way of sneaking back into the book trade.

The New Yorker

The terms of his detention are strict, however: he cannot leave, visitors must be approved in advance, and he is prohibited from making calls or sending e-mails without prior authorization leaving him no way of sneaking back into the book trade.

The New Yorker

The resulting legislation then has to be approved, but cannot be amended, by parliament.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject clearly identifies what is not being approved, maintaining clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be approved" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "not allowed" or "can't be done" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be approved" functions as a passive construction indicating prohibition or rejection. It expresses that a subject is unable to receive validation or authorization. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

34%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be approved" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express that something is prohibited or rejected. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is versatile across formal contexts such as news, academia, and business. While it's acceptable in various settings, it’s best to avoid it in casual conversations, opting for simpler alternatives. Common synonyms include "is not allowed" and "is rejected". Remember to ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is not being approved to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not allowed

Substitutes "cannot be approved" with a more direct and common expression of prohibition.

is not authorized

Replaces "cannot be approved" with a term specifically related to lacking official permission.

is not permissible

Replaces "cannot be approved" with a more formal term emphasizing prohibition.

is rejected

Substitutes "cannot be approved" by directly stating the refusal of something.

is denied

Replaces "cannot be approved" with a simple and direct statement of refusal or rejection.

fails to meet requirements

Substitutes "cannot be approved" with a more formal expression highlighting non-compliance.

is unacceptable

Replaces "cannot be approved" with a more general term expressing that something is not satisfactory or allowable.

will not be sanctioned

Substitutes "cannot be approved" with a more formal expression of prohibition, often used in official contexts.

does not pass muster

Replaces "cannot be approved" with an idiomatic expression indicating failure to meet standards.

is out of the question

Replaces "cannot be approved" with an idiomatic phrase indicating something is not a possibility.

FAQs

How to use "cannot be approved" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be approved" to indicate that something does not meet the necessary criteria or has been officially rejected. For example, "The application "application cannot be approved" until all required documents are submitted."

What can I say instead of "cannot be approved"?

You can use alternatives like "is not allowed", "is rejected", or "is not authorized", depending on the specific context. Each alternative conveys a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Which is correct, "cannot be approved" or "can not be approved"?

"Cannot be approved" is generally preferred and considered more standard. While "can not be approved" is technically understandable, it's less common and may appear less polished in formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be approved"?

It's appropriate to use "cannot be approved" in formal settings where a decision-making process is involved, such as in legal, academic, or professional contexts. It indicates a lack of permission or a failure to meet specified criteria.