cannot be but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be but" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express inevitability or impossibility of avoiding a certain outcome. Example: "He is such a dedicated worker that he cannot be but successful in his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Death thus confronts us with an impossible fact: something that cannot be but will be.

Princeton University

"You cannot be but awed by his determination and his will," Ms. Bosch said.

The New York Times

It brought the Arab world to a crucial juncture and the ensuing transition periods cannot be but marked by the inclusion of dignity in governance paradigms.

Yale University

That doesn't mean you cannot be, but one risks losing major donors and drawing the ire of the progressive grass roots – even if you represent a red state.

The Washington Post

But the mistreatment of the 1,500 citizens of Diego Garcia, exiled in the 1960s to create the huge Indian Ocean military base so crucial to American global power projection, cannot be but a poignant story, heartlessly cruel and probably avoidable.

The Guardian

Yet when you read the obits of the 69-year-old diplomat, one of the last products of the great cold war-era of reality-based public officials, you cannot be but impressed by his range, his energy and (sometimes) effectiveness.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Human beings cannot be designed, but utility tunnels can.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

There are things that cannot be seen but must be.

The New Yorker

There is a cohort of exceedingly dangerous detainees who cannot be tried but cannot be released.

The New York Times

Emergencies cannot be prevented, but they can be better managed.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Death cannot be avoided – but it can be eased.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be but" when you want to emphasize the inevitability of a situation or outcome.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "cannot be but" can sound formal or archaic. Opt for more contemporary alternatives like "cannot help but" or "is bound to be" in less formal contexts to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be but" functions as an emphatic expression of inevitability or necessity. It asserts that something is unavoidable or that there is no other possible outcome. As Ludwig AI states, it expresses inevitability or impossibility of avoiding a certain outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37.5%

Academia

37.5%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be but" functions to express a strong sense of inevitability or necessity. While grammatically correct, it tends to lean towards formal contexts, finding frequent use in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for expressing unavoidable outcomes. For more casual writing, consider alternatives like ""cannot help but"" or ""is bound to be"". Its usage isn't widespread, making it an uncommon but impactful choice when emphasis is needed. Consider your audience and the desired tone when deciding whether to employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot help but

Expresses an inability to prevent a certain action or feeling; implies a lack of control.

cannot do other than

Indicates that there is no alternative course of action available.

can only be

Limits the possibilities to a single outcome; suggests a deduction based on available information.

is bound to be

Implies that something is destined to happen; suggests a natural or predetermined course of events.

is sure to be

Expresses a high degree of certainty about a future event.

must necessarily be

Indicates a logical necessity; implies that a certain outcome is unavoidable based on a set of conditions.

inevitably will be

Highlights the unavoidable nature of a future event.

cannot escape being

Suggests that there is no way to avoid a particular state or condition.

cannot prevent from being

Focuses on the inability to stop something from happening.

is compelled to be

Highlights that something is forced or driven to be a certain way.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be but" to express that something is inevitable or unavoidable. For example: "Given his talent, he "cannot be but" successful."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cannot be but"?

Alternatives include "cannot help but", "is bound to be", or "is sure to be", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "cannot be but" formal or informal?

The phrase "cannot be but" leans towards the formal side. In everyday conversation, simpler expressions are more common.

What's the difference between "cannot be but" and "cannot help but"?

"Cannot be but" emphasizes the inevitability of an outcome, while "cannot help but" suggests an inability to prevent an action or feeling. The difference lies in whether the focus is on the result or the lack of control.