cannot be contemplated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be contemplated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is too complex, abstract, or difficult to consider or think about. Example: "The vastness of the universe and the concept of infinity cannot be contemplated by the human mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Such tactics cannot be contemplated in a country as mountainous and rural as Afghanistan.

The Economist

The strongest negotiating asset of a big debtor is always that default cannot be contemplated because it would bring down the financial system.

The Economist

"Philanthropic initiatives cannot be contemplated exclusively in terms of economics," he said, "but rather as an integrated program that encompasses social and cultural dimensions as well".

The New York Times

Yet a full U-turn cannot be contemplated because deficit reduction is at the heart of the coalition program, and because of the loss of face it would entail, said the parliamentarian, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject.

The New York Times

Such individuals, unable to repress the ideas linked to emotional pain, simply ejected them from consciousness by "pulverising all trace of feeling, so that an experience which has caused emotional flooding is not recognised as such and therefore cannot be contemplated".

The Guardian

So anything resembling them cannot be contemplated.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But the Coalition appears to be ruling out options with at least some chance of success, such as resettling refugees in a third country from where they could apply to come to Australia after a period of time, or New Zealand's long-standing offer to take some refugees, apparently because a solution cannot even be contemplated if there's a risk even one more boat might come.

The Guardian

"Space is something to be contemplated".

The New York Times

Deals will be contemplated.

Los Angeles Times

The selection of VP1 and 3D regions also showed that incorporation of primer design considerations must be contemplated sooner in the design process than it has been currently done to prevent the selection of regions that cannot be used.

BMC Genomics

This should be contemplated in step one.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience consider using simpler language that may be more easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be contemplated" in casual conversation or informal writing; it may sound overly formal or pretentious. Choose simpler alternatives like "unthinkable" or "not an option" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be contemplated" functions as a way to express impossibility or unacceptability. It is used to indicate that something is beyond the realm of possibility or is too problematic to consider. As stated in Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be contemplated" serves to express that an idea or action is beyond consideration due to its impracticality, danger, or unsuitability. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and typically appears in formal contexts like news and media, though alternatives may be preferred in casual settings. Common synonyms include "is unthinkable" and "is not an option". This phrase has a source quality score of 88, but be careful about overusing it in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unthinkable

Replaces "contemplated" with a stronger term implying impossibility.

is not an option

Shifts the focus to practicality and feasibility.

is out of the question

Emphasizes that something is completely unacceptable or impossible.

is beyond consideration

Highlights that something should not even be thought about.

is not to be considered

A more formal way of saying something should not be thought about.

is unimaginable

Suggests that something is impossible to envision.

is not feasible

Focuses on the practicality and possibility of something.

is beyond the pale

Indicates something is socially unacceptable or inappropriate.

is off the table

Implies something is no longer up for discussion or consideration.

is not a possibility

States directly that something is not possible.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be contemplated" to indicate that something is impossible or undesirable to consider. For example: "Such tactics "cannot be contemplated" in a country as mountainous and rural as Afghanistan."

What phrases are similar to "cannot be contemplated"?

Similar phrases include "is unthinkable", "is not an option", or "is out of the question". These alternatives convey a similar sense of impossibility or unacceptability.

Is "cannot be contemplated" formal or informal?

"Cannot be contemplated" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

Which is correct, "cannot be contemplated" or "can not be contemplated"?

"Cannot be contemplated" is the standard and correct way to write the phrase. "Can not be contemplated" is grammatically unusual and should be avoided.