cannot be commended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be commended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something or someone does not deserve praise or approval. Example: "The report was filled with inaccuracies and therefore cannot be commended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it cannot be commended without a cautionary label.

The New York Times - Books

However, Mandelson sounds a critical note: Selfe's contempt for the liberal arts tradition and the priority he accorded practical skill have certain implications which cannot be commended.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Economist deemed the film "fast-paced, well-acted and clear," a lucid portrayal of "the ugly choice between bail-out and total meltdown".Along similar lines, other reviews suggested that the film's "clarity" or "efficiency" was to be commended, but I cannot help but wonder whether such clarity, in this case, obscures more than it reveals.

The Economist

These companies should be commended for their leadership, but they cannot stop there.

Huffington Post

While some experts said Texas should be commended for not warehousing such offenders where they cannot get treatment, they questioned the logic of releasing them without ensuring that they receive supervision.

The New York Times

"You should be commended".

The New Yorker

It should be commended".

Independent

He should be commended.

The New York Times

This is to be commended.

Independent

Harington is to be commended.

The Guardian - Opinion

HRW should be commended for trying.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be commended" when you want to express a formal or semi-formal disapproval of something that might otherwise be praised but falls short.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be commended" in casual conversations; opt for simpler phrases like "not good" or "unimpressive" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be commended" functions as a negative assessment, expressing that something does not warrant praise or approval. It is a relatively formal way of indicating a lack of merit. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be commended" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a lack of praise or approval, often in formal contexts like news reports or critical reviews. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable, although relatively rare. It's best reserved for situations where a measured, somewhat formal disapproval is appropriate. For more casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives. Remember to prioritize clarity and appropriateness to your target audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not deserve praise

Replaces "commended" with "deserve praise", focusing on the lack of deserving something positive.

is not worthy of praise

Similar to the original, but uses "worthy" to emphasize the lack of value meriting praise.

is not praiseworthy

Uses the adjective "praiseworthy" to directly negate the quality of deserving praise.

is not admirable

Shifts the focus from formal commendation to general admiration.

fails to impress

Highlights the lack of a positive impact or effect.

is not deserving of recognition

Emphasizes the lack of justification for receiving acknowledgement.

falls short of expectations

Focuses on the failure to meet a certain standard.

is unacceptable

Indicates a stronger level of disapproval, deeming something not allowable.

is not up to par

Implies a deficiency in quality or performance.

is beyond redemption

Suggests that there is no possible way it can be improved or saved.

FAQs

What does "cannot be commended" mean?

The phrase "cannot be commended" means that something or someone does not deserve praise or approval. It suggests a deficiency or failure that prevents it from being positively recognized.

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

It is appropriate to use "cannot be commended" in formal or semi-formal contexts when discussing performance, quality, or actions that fail to meet expectations or standards. It's often used in reviews, critiques, or official reports.

What are some alternatives to "cannot be commended"?

Alternatives include "does not deserve praise", "is not worthy of praise", "fails to impress", or "is unacceptable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cannot be commended" the same as "should not be commended"?

While similar, "cannot be commended" implies an inherent lack of praiseworthiness due to deficiencies or failures. "Should not be commended" suggests that commendation is inappropriate due to external factors or ethical considerations.