cannot be contained

USAGE SUMMARY

'cannot be contained' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey the idea that something is too extreme to be held or restricted. Example: The excitement of the game was so great that it could not be contained.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It cannot be contained.

The New York Times - Arts

They cannot be contained in language.

The Guardian - Books

But the scientist within her cannot be contained.

The New York Times

Sometimes, though, the egos and contradictions cannot be contained.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because music cannot be stopped, cannot be contained".

The New York Times

Something that is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient cannot be contained, utilised or otherwise actioned.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Religious terror cannot be contained," wrote Adel Zaid Al-Tarifi in the daily Al Watan.

The New York Times

(28) —A Lexus GS bursts out of a garage, because, evidently "change cannot be contained".

The New Yorker

But these dreams cannot be contained; these 'auras' look like multicoloured Afros around the sitters' heads.

The Guardian - Arts

When groups plan and operate with impunity, the problem cannot be contained on the Afghan side".

The Guardian

Terrorism, with its lack of respect for human life, cannot be contained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be contained" to emphasize the strength or pervasiveness of something, such as an emotion, idea, or force.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be contained" for simple physical containment issues. It's more effective for abstract or powerful concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be contained" functions as a passive construction, typically used as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a subject that is inherently resistant to restriction or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples show its use with abstract nouns like "change", "music", or "terror".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be contained" is a versatile phrase used to express the idea that something is impossible to restrict or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, and its frequent appearance in various sources, especially News & Media, underscores its widespread relevance. While alternatives like "impossible to restrain" or "uncontrollable" exist, "cannot be contained" often provides a more impactful emphasis on the unrestrainable nature of the subject. Use it wisely to highlight the strength or pervasiveness of an emotion, idea, or force. Ensure appropriate scope; it resonates best with abstract or powerful concepts rather than mundane containment issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impossible to restrain

This alternative replaces "contained" with "restrain", focusing on the act of holding something back.

impossible to confine

This alternative replaces "contained" with "confine", emphasizing limitations of space or area.

impossible to keep within limits

This alternative is a more verbose way of expressing the same idea, focusing on the boundaries that cannot be maintained.

destined to overflow

This implies a natural, inevitable release or escape from boundaries.

certain to break free

Highlights the inevitability of something escaping constraints.

bound to spill over

Suggests that something will exceed its capacity and spread beyond its limits.

uncontrollable

Focuses on the lack of ability to manage or direct something.

irrepressible

This alternative emphasizes the inability to suppress or hold something back.

ungovernable

Highlights the lack of control or authority over something.

cannot be checked

Emphasizes the inability to stop or slow down something.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be contained" to describe something that is impossible to limit or restrain. For example, "The excitement in the room "cannot be contained"".

What can I say instead of "cannot be contained"?

You can use alternatives like "impossible to restrain", "impossible to confine", or "uncontrollable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cannot be contained" or "cannot contain"?

"Cannot be contained" implies something is acted upon and unable to be restricted, while "cannot contain" implies something is actively unable to hold something else.

What's the difference between "cannot be contained" and "cannot be confined"?

While similar, "cannot be contained" suggests a broader sense of restriction, while "cannot be confined" refers more specifically to physical boundaries. You can also use "impossible to confine" as valid alternative.