cannot be confronted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be confronted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations or issues that are too difficult or sensitive to address directly. Example: "The underlying problems in the organization cannot be confronted without causing significant unrest among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

What's more, as the only superpower, America cannot be confronted successfully.

The Economist

These are problems that cannot be confronted head-on with another armed force.

The New York Times

It is they that need to be confronted head on, and they cannot be confronted by pretending that they are the aberrant manifestation of an isolated fringe.

The New York Times

But most specialists on counterterrorism and counterinsurgency, inside and outside the government, say terrorism cannot be confronted from a comfortable distance, such as by airstrikes or proxy forces alone.

The New York Times

He is asking his father: "Daddy, will we ever have a safe space?" It's a succinct, witty point about privilege and victimhood that also taps into what has become a popularly held view: that universities are now mollycoddling hothouses full of delicate special snowflakes who cannot be confronted with a contradictory opinion without being "triggered".

The Guardian - Opinion

He compared the press corps to a "big extended family with a terrible secret that cannot be confronted because everyone knows how bad it would be if the discussion got real".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Thus far, we cannot conclude whether we are confronted to a simple necrosis or a programmed necrosis such as necroptosis.

Cell Death and Disease

Until that bull is taken by the horns, climate change cannot be properly confronted.

Forbes

Russia cannot be expelled from these bodies, but it can be confronted more boldly.

The Economist

The approach cannot continue to bear fruit if Manchester United or Arsenal are to be confronted in the FA Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

He needs to be confronted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be confronted", ensure the context clearly indicates what prevents direct engagement or resolution. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be confronted" as a blanket statement of helplessness. Instead, identify the specific barriers that prevent direct action or resolution to provide a more nuanced and informative assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be confronted" functions as a passive construction, indicating an inability to directly address or engage with a particular issue or situation. Ludwig AI affirms this usage. The passive voice emphasizes that the subject is acted upon, highlighting the barriers preventing confrontation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be confronted" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys the impossibility of directly addressing a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is effectively used to articulate underlying complexities or obstacles. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register. While not overly common, its precise meaning makes it a valuable tool for expressing specific limitations in addressing challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be addressed

Emphasizes the inability to deal with or solve a problem.

cannot be tackled

Highlights the impossibility of confronting or dealing with a specific issue.

cannot be faced

Focuses on the inability to encounter or deal with a challenge.

cannot be managed

Highlights the impossibility of controlling or handling a situation.

cannot be resolved

Stresses the inability to find a solution or settlement.

cannot be handled

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of managing a situation.

cannot be remedied

Focuses on the inability to correct or improve a situation.

cannot be rectified

Stresses the impossibility of correcting or setting something right.

cannot be improved

Emphasizes the impossibility of making something better.

cannot be corrected

Highlights the inability to fix errors or mistakes.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be confronted" to describe problems or situations that are difficult or impossible to address directly. For example, "The deep-seated biases within the system "cannot be confronted" without significant organizational change."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be confronted"?

Alternatives include "cannot be addressed", "cannot be tackled", or "cannot be resolved", depending on the context. Each emphasizes a different aspect of the inability to deal with something directly.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be confronted"?

It is appropriate to use "cannot be confronted" when direct engagement or resolution is impossible due to specific barriers, such as systemic issues, deeply rooted biases, or overwhelming challenges.

What is the difference between "cannot be confronted" and "should not be confronted"?

"Cannot be confronted" implies an impossibility, while "should not be confronted" suggests a choice or advisability. The former indicates a lack of ability, while the latter implies a deliberate decision to avoid confrontation.