cannot be delivered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be delivered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something, such as a message, package, or service, is unable to be provided or sent to the intended recipient. Example: "Due to technical issues, your order cannot be delivered at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Unity cannot be delivered from the top.

The New York Times

Food assistance cannot be delivered by land.

The Guardian

But a therapy is worthless if it cannot be delivered.

The Economist

Lambeth says that, while no final decisions have been made, the infill option "cannot be delivered".

The Guardian - Arts

And why not recognise that rebalancing cannot be delivered by orthodox economic policy tools?

The Guardian - Opinion

Such changes cannot be delivered with the money already available in care budgets.

The Guardian

But such messages cannot be delivered through long and little-read documents.

The Economist

Aid cannot be delivered in the simplest way — over the border.

The New York Times

Freedom and democracy cannot be delivered by a military General - Iraqi or non Iraqi; retired or not retired.

The Guardian

A thing cannot be delivered enough times: this is the rule of dogs for whom there are no fool's errands.

The New Yorker

No responsibility is taken for entries that are lost, delayed, misdirected or incomplete or cannot be delivered or entered for any technical other reason.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be delivered", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being referred to and why it cannot be delivered. For example, specify the item, message, or service that is facing the delivery issue.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be delivered" without specifying the cause. Being specific about the reasons prevents ambiguity and provides clarity to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be delivered" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the inability to perform the action of delivering something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be delivered" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express the inability or impossibility of delivering something. Ludwig AI affirms its acceptability and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various audiences. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is failing to be delivered and, if possible, the reason behind it. Alternatives like ""cannot be provided"" or ""is undeliverable"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be provided

Focuses on the inability to supply or make something available.

cannot be supplied

Emphasizes the lack of resources or means to furnish something.

is impossible to deliver

Highlights the impossibility of the action, rather than just the inability.

is undeliverable

Uses a single adjective to convey the same meaning.

cannot reach its destination

Focuses on the failure of something to arrive at its intended location.

cannot be transported

Specifically addresses the inability to move something from one place to another.

cannot be furnished

Emphasizes the inability to equip or provide something necessary.

cannot be rendered

Focuses on the impossibility of providing a service or assistance.

is beyond reach

Suggests the impossibility of obtaining or achieving something.

remains unachievable

Highlights the impossibility of attaining a certain goal or result.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be delivered" to describe situations where something is impossible to provide or transport. For example, "The package "cannot be delivered" due to the storm" or "The promised services "cannot be delivered" due to budget cuts".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cannot be delivered"?

Some alternatives include "cannot be provided", "is impossible to deliver", or "is undeliverable", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can not be delivered" instead of "cannot be delivered"?

While "can not be delivered" is grammatically understandable, ""cannot be delivered"" is generally preferred and more common in formal writing.

What is the difference between "cannot be delivered" and "will not be delivered"?

"Cannot be delivered" implies an impossibility, while "will not be delivered" implies a decision or intention not to deliver. For example, "The package "cannot be delivered" because of a road closure" versus "The package "will not be delivered" because the recipient refused it".