cannot be calibrated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be calibrated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing instruments, devices, or systems that are unable to be adjusted or fine-tuned for accuracy or performance. Example: "The old thermometer cannot be calibrated, making it unreliable for precise temperature readings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

And yet even in my office I am inundated with what cannot be calibrated.

The New York Times

Then there are special problems in forecasting a one-off referendum, since – by contrast with a general election – the political mix of respondents cannot be calibrated on the strength of how respondents say they voted last time.

The Guardian - Opinion

This pulse contour cardiac output monitoring system cannot be calibrated and measures cardiac output (t) from a standard arterial catheter.

Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia

Radionuclide chronologies are considered unreliable in the outer part of the estuary where low 210Pb activities cannot be calibrated against 137Cs.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

This study also suggests, however, that parameters which cannot be calibrated based on empirical data will continue to be a major source of model uncertainty.

Ecological Modelling

Because the vehicle (self-propelled BB car) has some hardware deviation which cannot be calibrated, the vehicle always slightly slides left.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

(3) Perforations are often not precisely timed, so a velocity model cannot always be calibrated using perforation travel times alone.

Petroleum Science

But because of theoretical assumptions about the utility function and the partner selection they cannot easily be calibrated against network data.

EPJ Data Science

The first is that intellectual and scientific creativity cannot be, and therefore should not be, calibrated – still less should it treated as a zero-sum game in which there must always be winners (to be praised) and losers (to be shamed).

The Guardian

Next, it needed to be calibrated.

The Economist

Hence models must be calibrated, not tested.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be calibrated" when referring to systems, instruments, or processes that lack the ability to be standardized or adjusted for accuracy. This phrase is especially useful in scientific and technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be calibrated" metaphorically when simpler terms like "cannot be measured" or "cannot be assessed" are more appropriate. Overusing technical jargon can obscure your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be calibrated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating an inability to adjust or standardize something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. Examples in the Ludwig data show its common usage in describing equipment or models.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be calibrated" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression, as Ludwig AI confirms. It is primarily used in formal and scientific contexts to indicate the impossibility of standardizing or accurately adjusting something. While alternatives like "is unmeasurable" or "is not adjustable" exist, "cannot be calibrated" specifically highlights the inability to bring a system or instrument to a known reference point. Be mindful to avoid metaphorical overuse in simpler contexts. With examples primarily drawn from science and news sources, the phrase maintains a technical and precise tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be fine-tuned

Similar to "is not adjustable", but specifically emphasizes the lack of ability to make delicate or precise adjustments.

is not adjustable

Highlights the lack of adjustability, suggesting an inability to fine-tune or modify something.

is not amenable to adjustment

Indicates that something is unwilling or unable to be adjusted, suggesting a fundamental incompatibility.

is beyond measurement

Implies that something is outside the scope of what can be measured or assessed.

eludes precise measurement

Emphasizes the difficulty in achieving accurate or exact measurements.

is unmeasurable

Focuses on the inability to quantify or measure something, emphasizing the lack of a measurable scale.

defies quantification

Suggests that something resists being expressed or measured in numerical terms.

is impossible to standardize

Emphasizes the inability to bring something to a standard or uniform level, highlighting the lack of conformity.

is inherently variable

Focuses on the natural tendency of something to change or differ, making calibration difficult.

is impervious to standardization

Highlights the resistance of something to being standardized or made uniform.

FAQs

What does "cannot be calibrated" mean?

The phrase "cannot be calibrated" means that something is impossible to standardize or adjust for accuracy. It typically refers to instruments, systems, or processes that lack the ability to be fine-tuned to meet specific standards.

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

You can use "cannot be calibrated" to describe a device or system that can't be adjusted for accurate measurements. For example, "The old gauge "cannot be calibrated", so we need a new one."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be calibrated"?

Alternatives to "cannot be calibrated" include phrases like "is unmeasurable", "is not adjustable", or "is impossible to standardize". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "cannot be calibrated"?

The phrase "cannot be calibrated" is appropriate in scientific, technical, and engineering contexts when discussing instruments, measurements, or systems that cannot be adjusted or standardized. It's also suitable for discussing parameters or models that "defies quantification".