cannot be controlled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be controlled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, behavior, or phenomenon that is beyond one's ability to manage or influence. Example: "The wildfire spread rapidly and reached areas that cannot be controlled by firefighters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Technology cannot be controlled, and human beings are entirely helpless.

The Guardian - Books

But Jerusalem cannot be controlled.

The New York Times

It cannot be controlled with chemicals.

The New Yorker

Messages on the web cannot be controlled.

Independent

Some threats cannot be controlled.

Securing Citrix Presentation Server in the Enterprise

But Jason's puppet, Tyrone, cannot be controlled.

The New Yorker

Mr. Fujimori cannot be controlled," he said.

The New York Times

The existing paired shuttle boosters, once ignited, cannot be controlled.

The New York Times

History has shown the ivory trade cannot be controlled.

The Guardian

Migrations cannot be controlled with traffic lights or barbed wire.

The Guardian - Books

Unlike writers, and related pests, they cannot be controlled.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be controlled", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what or who cannot be controlled in the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be controlled" in overly broad statements without specific context. Instead, provide specific examples or situations where the lack of control is evident to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be controlled" functions as a passive construction indicating an inability or lack of agency to manage or direct something. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use across various subjects, highlighting a state of being beyond influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be controlled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote something that is unmanageable or beyond influence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds its application across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While alternatives such as "is unmanageable" or "is beyond control" exist, choosing the right expression relies heavily on the specific context. When using "cannot be controlled", ensure clear contextualization to circumvent overgeneralization and to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unmanageable

Replaces the passive voice with a direct adjective.

is beyond control

Uses a prepositional phrase to convey a similar meaning.

is out of hand

Employs an idiomatic expression to indicate a loss of control.

is ungovernable

Indicates an inability to govern or regulate.

is irrepressible

Suggests a force that cannot be subdued or restrained.

is unstoppable

Implies an inability to halt or prevent something.

is uncontainable

Indicates something that cannot be confined or limited.

is resistant to regulation

Specifies resistance to formal rules or restrictions.

defies management

Emphasizes the difficulty in managing or handling something.

is impervious to influence

Highlights the resistance to external influence.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be controlled" to describe situations or entities that are unmanageable or beyond one's ability to influence. For example: "The spread of misinformation "cannot be controlled" without proactive measures."

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be controlled"?

You can use alternatives such as "is unmanageable", "is beyond control", or "is out of hand" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "cannot be controlled" or "is uncontrollable"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "is uncontrollable" is more direct. "Cannot be controlled" emphasizes the action of controlling, while "is uncontrollable" describes the inherent nature of the subject.

In what contexts is "cannot be controlled" most appropriately used?

"Cannot be controlled" is suitable in formal and informal contexts to describe situations ranging from natural phenomena to human behavior that are difficult or impossible to manage. Common contexts include discussions of technology, emotions, and social trends.