cannot be complacent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be complacent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that one should not become self-satisfied or overly comfortable in a situation, especially when there is still work to be done or challenges to face. Example: "In the face of ongoing challenges, we cannot be complacent if we want to achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we cannot be complacent.

The Guardian

But Mr Rajoy cannot be complacent.

The Economist

Yet he knows he cannot be complacent.

Independent

But, he added: "We cannot be complacent.

The Guardian

However, the FIFA president cannot be complacent.

The New York Times - Sports

That said, we cannot be complacent.

The Guardian

But Mr. Scaroni knows he cannot be complacent.

The New York Times

China's government cannot be complacent about rising prices.

The Economist

Both are problems that investors cannot be complacent about.

The New York Times

With little job security, he cannot be complacent.

The New York Times - Sports

These are all great achievements, but we cannot be complacent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When things are going well, use "cannot be complacent" to remind yourself or others that sustained effort is key to continued success. This proactive warning can prevent future setbacks.

Common error

While "cannot be complacent" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "stay sharp" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be complacent" functions as a modal phrase expressing a strong recommendation or necessity to avoid becoming self-satisfied or passive, especially in situations requiring continuous effort and attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be complacent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive engagement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, serving to warn against overconfidence and encourage continuous effort. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "must stay vigilant" or "should not rest on our laurels". Remember, the key is to avoid self-satisfaction and maintain a proactive approach to ensure continued success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should not rest on our laurels

Warns against complacency based on past achievements.

must stay vigilant

Emphasizes the need for continuous alertness and readiness.

should avoid self-satisfaction

Highlights the danger of being overly pleased with current status.

should not let our guard down

Highlights the risk of becoming vulnerable through relaxation.

must not take things for granted

Focuses on appreciating the importance of something, which can be easily overlooked.

must remain proactive

Focuses on taking initiative and anticipating future challenges.

should maintain a sense of urgency

Highlights the need for continuous action and purpose.

must keep striving for improvement

Stresses the ongoing need for progress and advancement.

should always be on the lookout

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a constant state of awareness.

must not become apathetic

Focuses on avoiding indifference or lack of concern.

FAQs

What does it mean to say that one "cannot be complacent"?

Saying that one "cannot be complacent" means that one should not become overly satisfied with the current situation, especially when there is still work to be done or potential risks to be aware of. It's a call to remain vigilant and proactive.

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

You can use "cannot be complacent" to emphasize the need for continued effort and vigilance. For example: "Even though we've made progress, we "cannot be complacent" and must keep working hard."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be complacent"?

Alternatives to "cannot be complacent" include phrases like "must stay vigilant", "should not rest on our laurels", or "must remain proactive", depending on the specific context you're using it in.

Is it more appropriate to say "cannot be complacent" or "must not be complacent"?

Both "cannot be complacent" and "must not be complacent" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you want to achieve. "Cannot" suggests more of an inability to be complacent, while "must not" conveys a stronger sense of obligation.