cannot be communicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be communicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing information, feelings, or ideas that are difficult or impossible to express or convey to others. Example: "Some emotions are so complex that they cannot be communicated effectively through words."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Such diverse uses cannot be communicated in a single number.

Nature

These sensations cannot be communicated entirely through technology.

University of California, Berkeley

Some men are trapped in a vicious cycle where emotional honesty and vulnerability cannot be communicated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sandy has been a devastation that simply cannot be communicated effectively or thoughtfully through words.

Cornell University

Nor does it imply that climate change is so complex that it cannot be communicated to the general public.

The Guardian

The laws of physics as we know them state that information cannot be communicated faster than the speed of light.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The work is essentially a giant photographic collage and it comes with a title so long it cannot even be communicated in one tweet.

The Guardian - Arts

When dilemmas are not recognized fully, they cannot always be communicated to the political level.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Please note that if help is requested with less than eight weeks before the deadline, we cannot guarantee the same level of service (i.e., we can comment on how clearly and effectively the proposed work is communicated but cannot undertake major revisions or help with any of the logistical components mentioned above).

Columbia University

The privilege of patient-physician interactions, and the trust that emerges between both parties when patients tell their stories, cannot be entirely communicated through lessons in the classroom.

Harvard University

Among the great living religions of the world, there is wide agreement that revelation cannot be fully communicated by books and sermons but only by an ineffable, suprarational experience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be communicated", ensure the context clearly explains why the information or feeling is difficult to convey. Provide supporting details to illustrate the challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be communicated" when "is difficult to communicate" is more accurate. Overstating the impossibility can weaken your argument if some aspects can be conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be communicated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the inability of something to be conveyed or expressed effectively. Ludwig shows that this phrase is often used to describe abstract concepts or experiences that defy simple explanation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be communicated" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the inherent difficulty or impossibility of conveying certain information or experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage across various domains, including science, news, and academia. It's essential to ensure its use accurately reflects the intended meaning, avoiding overstatements. Consider alternatives like "is inexpressible" or "defies description" for nuanced expression. Using "cannot be communicated" effectively requires a clear understanding of the context and a consideration of whether the concept truly exceeds the bounds of communicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inexpressible

This alternative emphasizes the inability to put something into words.

is uncommunicable

This alternative uses a less common but direct synonym, highlighting the impossibility of communication.

defies description

This suggests the subject is so unique it exceeds the limits of descriptive language.

is beyond words

This is a more emotional or emphatic way of saying something cannot be adequately described.

is impossible to convey

This focuses on the act of conveying information, highlighting its impossibility.

cannot be expressed

This focuses on the act of expressing, suggesting an internal inability to articulate.

eludes articulation

This suggests that a concept is difficult to capture in precise or clear terms.

is not easily put into words

This softens the statement, indicating difficulty rather than impossibility.

remains unsaid

Implies that the thing in question has not been, or cannot be, verbalized.

is tacit

Suggests the thing in question is understood without needing to be expressed directly.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be communicated" to describe ideas, feelings, or information that are difficult or impossible to express effectively. For example: "The depth of her grief "cannot be communicated" through mere words".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be communicated"?

Alternatives include "is inexpressible", "is uncommunicable", or "defies description". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cannot be communicated" or "is hard to communicate"?

The choice depends on the degree of difficulty. "Cannot be communicated" implies impossibility, while "is hard to communicate" suggests difficulty but not impossibility.

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

It means the subject is inherently resistant to being effectively expressed or conveyed to others through typical means of communication.