cannot be complied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be complied" is not correct in standard English.
The correct expression is "cannot be complied with." Example: "The request cannot be complied with due to company policy."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"A statute that cannot be complied with is worse than no statute at all," a bar committee headed by Alan D. Lurie of New Rochelle wrote in its report.

The New York Times

For example, requests from elderly people who are tired of life and for whom life has lost all meaning, but who do not suffer from any serious illnesses, cannot be complied with under the present framework.

Bioethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If the law purports to require actions that no-one should ever do, it cannot rightly be complied with; one's moral obligation is not to obey but to disobey: ST I-II q. 96 a. 4.

SEP

In this case, the White House has invoked executive privilege in asserting that its present and former aides cannot be compelled to comply with the subpoenas.

The New York Times

All football rules were complied with.

BBC

Data protection laws were complied with.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Data-protection legislation was complied with.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Environmental protections have been complied with".

Vice

This study was complied with REMARK criteria.

Breast Cancer Research

The reason is simple: the consultants in hospital A just cannot be bothered to comply.

The Guardian

They cannot be adapted to comply, and therefore there is an opportunity to create a major public space for New Yorkers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating that a rule or requirement cannot be followed, use the correct form "cannot be complied with". Alternatively, use stronger and more direct verbs like "fulfilled", "met", or "adhered to".

Common error

A frequent error is omitting the preposition "with" after "complied". Always remember to include "with" when using the verb "comply" in the passive voice. For instance, write "The regulation cannot be complied with", not "The regulation cannot be complied".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be complied" functions as a passive construction expressing the impossibility of fulfilling a requirement or adhering to a rule. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically incorrect without the preposition 'with'.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be complied" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct form is "cannot be complied with". As Ludwig AI indicates, it's crucial to include the preposition "with" to ensure grammatical accuracy. While examples exist, the phrase is not common and alternatives like "cannot be fulfilled", "cannot be met", or "cannot be adhered to" may offer clearer and more direct ways to express the same idea. The register is formal to neutral, spanning news, science and business contexts. Always prioritize "cannot be complied with" or consider alternative phrasing for optimal clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be complied with

Adds the necessary preposition 'with' to make the phrase grammatically correct.

is impossible to comply with

Uses a more explicit structure to state the impossibility of compliance.

cannot be fulfilled

Replaces 'complied' with 'fulfilled', focusing on the inability to meet a request or expectation.

cannot be met

A shorter, more direct way of saying that a requirement or standard cannot be satisfied.

compliance is not possible

Shifts the focus to compliance itself being unachievable.

cannot be adhered to

Substitutes 'complied' with 'adhered', highlighting the inability to stick to a rule or guideline.

cannot be obeyed

Focuses on the inability to follow a command or law.

cannot be followed

Emphasizes the inability to track or implement a set of instructions or procedures.

cannot be effectuated

A more formal and less common way of saying something cannot be put into effect or action.

cannot be actioned

Suggests that it is impossible to execute or take action based on something.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "comply" in the passive voice?

When using "comply" in the passive voice, always include the preposition "with". For example, say "The rules must be complied with" instead of "The rules must be complied".

What can I say instead of "cannot be complied with"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be fulfilled", "cannot be met", or "cannot be adhered to", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "cannot be complied" or "cannot be complied with"?

"Cannot be complied with" is correct. The verb "comply" requires the preposition "with" when used in the passive voice. The phrase "cannot be complied" is grammatically incorrect.

Is "cannot be complied" ever correct?

No, "cannot be complied" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The correct form is always "cannot be complied with".