cannot be described

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be described" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is so complex, unique, or abstract that it defies explanation or categorization. Example: "The beauty of the sunset was so profound that it cannot be described in mere words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Torture cannot be described.

Independent

The marriage cannot be described as happy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Coaching these Knicks certainly cannot be described as easy.

The New York Times - Sports

And the anguish that filled me cannot be described.

The New Yorker

A fastidious gender-dysphoric's horror of incontinence cannot be described.

The New Yorker

The feeling of solidarity, he said — it cannot be described.

The New Yorker

Yet Xenakis cannot be described as a cerebral artist.

The New Yorker

These actions cannot be described as competition on the merits, and they did not benefit consumers.

The New York Times

Reich cannot be described as an apologist for the new economy.

The New York Times - Books

This continuing process cannot be described as anything other than a purge.

The Guardian - Opinion

The content cannot be described as artistic and is plainly of a sexual nature".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be described" to convey the profound or ineffable nature of a subject, ensuring the context supports the notion that words alone are insufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be described" for situations that are simply complex or nuanced; reserve it for truly extraordinary or indescribable experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be described" functions primarily as a predicate adjective indicating that something is impossible or extremely difficult to articulate or depict. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be described" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is so profound, complex, or unique that it defies adequate articulation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While it is generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid overuse in mundane situations, reserving it for truly ineffable experiences. By understanding its purpose and contexts of use, writers can effectively employ "cannot be described" to emphasize the extraordinary nature of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defies description

Uses stronger vocabulary to emphasize the impossibility of describing something.

is beyond words

Focuses on the inadequacy of language to capture the essence of something.

eludes explanation

Highlights the inability to explain something logically or comprehensively.

is inexpressible

Emphasizes the lack of expressiveness in conveying the subject.

is difficult to articulate

Specifically points out the challenge in verbally expressing something.

is hard to capture in words

Emphasizes that words fail to describe something exhaustively.

is beyond comprehension

Indicates that something is difficult to grasp or understand, not just describe.

is impossible to depict

Focuses on the inability to create a visual representation.

transcends language

Suggests that the subject is beyond the realm of linguistic expression.

is something you have to experience to understand

Shifts the focus from description to the necessity of direct experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be described" to express that something is beyond the ability of language to capture its essence. For example, "The feeling of witnessing such a historical event "cannot be described" adequately."

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

Alternatives to "cannot be described" include "defies description", "is beyond words", or "eludes explanation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cannot be described" or "is indescribable"?

"Cannot be described" and "is indescribable" are largely interchangeable, but "is indescribable" /s/is+indescribable is a more direct adjective. The best choice depends on the sentence structure and desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be described"?

It is appropriate when the subject is so profound, complex, or unique that it genuinely surpasses the ability of language to fully capture its qualities or essence. Avoid using it for everyday situations that are merely complicated.