cannot be directed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be directed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is unable to be guided, controlled, or managed. Example: "The flow of the river cannot be directed by human intervention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Colleges and high schools cannot be directed to handle concussions the way the N.F.L. now does.

The New York Times - Sports

Sales efforts cannot be directed through a simple reading of organizational charts; the selling company must identify the powerful buying-center members.

Harvard Business Review

"Though less lethal, these attacks, using unguided rockets which cannot be directed at specific targets, violated international humanitarian law and cannot be justified under any circumstance".

The New York Times

A major cause of these limitations is that the mechanisms for human AF are not known and thus ablation cannot be directed to them.

Stanford University

The sunlight that falls on the exteriors of buildings cannot be directed or changed in quality, but it can be reflected or absorbed in a wide range of modulation by the relief and texture of surfaces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The text of the waiver does not mention that aggression cannot be directed against NKR, a crucial point of the original text which helped ensure cessation of hostilities.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

As a result, the sum f(x mathsf{K}^{sigma}bigl[x^{n}bigr] + f(x)^{2} mathsf{K}^{sigma}bigl[x^{n}bigr] + f(x)^{3} mathsf{K}^{sigma}bigl[x^{n}bigr] + cdots cannot be direct.

Advances in Difference Equations

If it is in the inner dendrite, its modulation by Ca2+ cannot be direct because of the slow diffusion of this ion.

Plosone

Assuming that it cannot all be directed at the new junior senator from New York, its likely target will be Mr. Bush himself.

The New York Times

The hatred that was used against us cannot now be directed at others, not Muslims and not the presumptive Republican nominee.

Huffington Post

In clinical practice initial antifungal therapy cannot usually be directed by species.

BMC Anesthesiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be directed", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is lacking direction or control. For instance, specify whether it's a process, resource, or emotion that "cannot be directed" for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring that the agent, if relevant, is either explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context when using "cannot be directed". Failing to do so can lead to unclear or confusing statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be directed" functions as a passive construction, indicating an inability to control or guide something. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears across various contexts to express a lack of agency in guiding a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be directed" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to express the inability to control, guide, or manage something. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional communication. Alternatives like "cannot be controlled" or "cannot be guided" offer similar meanings with slightly varied nuances. Its usage emphasizes the inherent limitations in exerting directional influence over a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be controlled

Replaces "directed" with a more general term for management or influence.

cannot be guided

Focuses on the inability to provide guidance or leadership.

cannot be managed

Highlights the lack of capacity for effective management.

cannot be influenced

Emphasizes the resistance to external influence or manipulation.

cannot be channeled

Suggests an inability to direct something into a specific course.

cannot be governed

Focuses on the absence of governance or regulatory control.

is not subject to direction

Uses a more formal tone to indicate a lack of imposed guidance.

is beyond control

Expresses a state of being outside the scope of managerial oversight.

escapes management

Implies an active avoidance of control or direction.

defies guidance

Suggests a resistance or opposition to being guided.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be directed" to describe something that is impossible to guide or control, such as "The force of nature "cannot be directed" by human will".

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

Some alternatives include "cannot be controlled", "cannot be guided", or "cannot be influenced", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can't be directed" instead of "cannot be directed"?

Yes, "can't be directed" is a contraction of "cannot be directed" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. "Cannot be directed" is generally preferred in more formal writing.

What does it mean when something "cannot be directed"?

It means that efforts to guide or control that thing are ineffective or impossible. It suggests an inherent lack of responsiveness to directional influence.