cannot be correct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be correct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or disagreement about the accuracy of a statement or idea. Example: "Based on the evidence presented, I believe that the conclusion drawn cannot be correct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This cannot be correct.

The New York Times

Those survey results cannot be correct.

The New York Times

And it's our position this cannot be correct.

The New York Times

At one point, he thought, "It cannot be correct what this man is trying to do".

The New Yorker

Judging by some of the posts on message boards, that cannot be correct.

The New York Times

According to Kant, relationism cannot be correct, because it recognizes fewer spatial facts about the world than there manifestly are.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Obviously, two bits are upset in the result, which cannot be corrected by the correction method proposed in [29].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Outright mistakes cannot be corrected.

The New York Times

Both say that if an edit cannot be corrected it should not be attempted.

The New Yorker

Tenants in an illegal conversion can be required to leave if the violation cannot be corrected.

The New York Times

[But] there remains a persistent deficit... something that cannot be corrected or substituted".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be correct", provide a clear explanation or evidence to support your claim. This strengthens your argument and makes your position more convincing.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be correct" without providing a rationale or evidence. Overusing this phrase without support can make your writing sound dogmatic or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be correct" functions as a strong assertion of disbelief or disagreement. It is used to express that a statement, calculation, or conclusion is inaccurate or invalid. As Ludwig AI shows, it's employed across diverse contexts to challenge the veracity of information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be correct" is a versatile expression used to convey strong disagreement or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields, including news, science, and encyclopedias. This phrase serves to refute claims, express doubt, or highlight inconsistencies, marking it as an effective tool for critical discourse. While maintaining a neutral register, "cannot be correct" is suitable for various contexts, emphasizing the importance of providing evidence-based reasoning when challenging the veracity of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be wrong

This alternative directly expresses that something is inaccurate or erroneous.

cannot be true

This expresses disbelief or denial of the veracity of something.

is inaccurate

This alternative states that something is not precise or correct.

is not right

This alternative conveys a simple and direct disagreement.

is mistaken

This suggests that someone has made an error in their judgment or understanding.

is simply not true

This emphatically denies the truthfulness of something.

is highly improbable

This suggests that something is unlikely to be accurate or to happen.

does not add up

This idiom suggests that something is illogical or inconsistent.

is open to question

This suggests that something should be examined or doubted.

defies logic

Implies the idea is irrational or unreasonable.

FAQs

What does "cannot be correct" mean?

The phrase "cannot be correct" indicates a strong disagreement or disbelief regarding the accuracy or validity of a statement, calculation, or conclusion. It suggests that something is wrong or inaccurate based on available evidence or logical reasoning.

How to use "cannot be correct" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be correct" to express that something is inaccurate or invalid, like "That calculation "cannot be correct" because it doesn't account for all the variables."

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

You can use alternatives like "must be wrong", "is inaccurate", or "is not right" depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate to use "cannot be correct" when you have a strong reason to believe that a statement or piece of information is factually wrong or logically inconsistent. It's especially useful when you can provide evidence or reasoning to support your claim.