cannot be caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be caught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is elusive or difficult to capture, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The elusive butterfly cannot be caught, no matter how hard you try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

This victory ensured that they and the Super League champions, Leeds, cannot be caught at the top of the table.

The Guardian - Sport

In Blantyre, Malawi, Didier Drogba scored in the 67th minute, two minutes after entering as a substitute, giving visiting Ivory Coast a 1-1 thatthat clinched first place in Africa's Group E. Ivory Coast (4-0-1) lEads Group E with 13 points with one game remaining and cannot be caught by second-place Burkina Faso (2-2), whash has two games left.

The New York Times - Sports

Zero day threats cannot be caught with such methods.

Procedia Computer Science

Britain and New Zealand are on 33 points and, barring disqualification, cannot be caught for the top two slots.

BBC

The Manchester clubs cannot be caught in the title race.

The New York Times - Sports

With a maximum of 10 points available, Button cannot be caught.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

His lead over Basso is not so huge that he cannot somehow be caught.

The New York Times - Sports

Such services, when generating original content, cannot easily be caught by plagiarism-detection software.

The Guardian

She is seven in this photograph, which was made around 1844; she wears a pale dress and gazes away from the camera, as if she cannot quite be caught by her father's lens.

The Economist

Pakistan cannot now be caught by Australia - and face West Indies in their final Group Two match on Tuesday with a semi-final place at stake.

BBC

Unlike longevity, this loss of fitness cannot easily be caught in some simple measurement.

Aging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be caught" to describe situations where something is inherently difficult or impossible to capture, whether it's a fleeting moment, an abstract concept, or a skilled individual. For example, "The essence of true happiness often cannot be caught, only experienced."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be caught" excessively in simple, literal situations where a more direct phrase like "was not caught" or "remained uncaptured" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be caught" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing an inability or impossibility. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it describes something that is difficult or impossible to capture, whether literally (like a fast-moving object) or figuratively (like a fleeting feeling).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be caught" is a versatile expression used to describe something that is extremely difficult or impossible to capture, either literally or figuratively. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. While "cannot" is slightly more formal than "can't", the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, consider whether a more direct or specific alternative might be more appropriate, and avoid overusing it in simple, literal situations. Remember, the essence of what "cannot be caught" often lies in its elusive and unattainable nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impossible to capture

Emphasizes the impossibility of capturing, making it sound more absolute than "cannot be caught".

out of reach

Similar to "beyond reach", highlighting the unattainability of something.

unreachable

Similar to "out of reach" but emphasizes the state of being impossible to reach or attain.

cannot be seized

Replaces "caught" with "seized", suggesting a more forceful or official attempt at capturing.

unable to be apprehended

Replaces "cannot" with "unable", offering a more formal tone, and uses "apprehended" instead of "caught", implying a capture by law enforcement.

elusive

A single-word adjective describing something difficult to find, catch, or achieve, simplifying the original phrase.

escapes capture

Focuses on the action of avoiding capture, suggesting a successful evasion.

beyond reach

Focuses on the idea that something is unattainable, either physically or metaphorically, shifting the focus from the act of catching to the state of being unreachable.

evasive

Describes something that actively avoids being caught or found, adding a sense of intentionality to the elusiveness.

impervious to capture

Highlights the resistance to being captured, suggesting a strong defense or inherent quality that prevents capture.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be caught" to describe something elusive, unattainable, or extremely difficult to capture, either literally or metaphorically. For example, "The joy of the moment "cannot be caught" in a photograph."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be caught"?

Alternatives include "impossible to capture", "beyond reach", or "elusive", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "can't be caught" instead of "cannot be caught"?

"Can't be caught" is a contraction of "cannot be caught" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. "Cannot be caught" is more formal and suitable for academic or professional writing.

What does it mean when something "cannot be caught"?

It signifies that the subject is extremely difficult or impossible to capture, grasp, or attain. This could refer to a physical object, an abstract concept, or even a skilled individual who is adept at avoiding capture.