cannot be defended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be defended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a position, argument, or action that lacks justification or support. Example: "The decision to cut funding for education cannot be defended in light of the current economic challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those acts cannot be defended.

The New Yorker

Populations that cannot be monitored cannot be defended.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To be sure, many tax loopholes cannot be defended.

The New York Times

The fact that he encouraged the use of illegal drugs like LSD cannot be defended.

University of California, Berkeley

"They end up with such a less stringent result that cannot be defended," he said.

The New York Times - Science

They concluded that America cannot be defended by dishonest wars brutally prosecuted.

The New York Times

Justice Stevens is convinced that the death penalty has been applied so unfairly that it cannot be defended.

The New York Times

When the acting attorney general, Sally Yates, decides that the order cannot be defended in court, Trump fires her.

The Washington Post

The occasional insurance company provides a wake-up call, denying coverage for a home that cannot be defended.

The New York Times

"They are demanding of Israeli society to defend something that cannot be defended," he told the Israel radio.

The New York Times

The misplaced notion of "not offending cultural sensitivities" at the expense of Muslim women cannot be defended.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be defended" when you want to express that a particular action, argument, or position lacks justification or is morally or logically unacceptable.

Common error

While "cannot be defended" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to active voice when appropriate to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of "The policy cannot be defended," try "No one can defend the policy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be defended" functions as a predicate adjective phrase within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it asserts that a subject lacks justification or is indefensible. Examples from Ludwig show it used to critique actions, policies, and arguments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be defended" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something lacks justification or is indefensible. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While versatile, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Alternatives like "is indefensible" or "is unjustifiable" can provide variety. The phrase's prevalence across authoritative sources underscores its acceptance in high-quality writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is indefensible

Emphasizes the lack of justification or excuse for something.

is unjustifiable

Highlights that something lacks a valid reason or excuse.

lacks justification

Focuses on the absence of valid reasons or support.

is unsustainable

Indicates that something cannot be maintained or continued.

is untenable

Suggests that a position or argument is impossible to maintain.

is without merit

Implies that something lacks value or worth.

is groundless

Highlights the lack of foundation or basis for something.

is indefensible position

Highlights the lack of justification of a position.

has no defense

Focuses on the absence of any argument or justification.

cannot be maintained

Highlights the impossibility of continuing or upholding something.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be defended" to express that an action, argument, or position lacks justification. For example, "His actions "cannot be defended" given the evidence."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be defended"?

Alternatives include "is indefensible", "is unjustifiable", or "lacks justification". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

It's appropriate when you want to strongly assert that something has no valid excuse or support, and is wrong or unacceptable.

Is "cannot be defended" formal or informal?

"Cannot be defended" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and subject matter than the specific setting.