cannot be discussed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be discussed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a particular topic or subject is not open for conversation or debate. Example: "Due to confidentiality agreements, certain aspects of the project cannot be discussed in public forums."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These matters are intricate, and cannot be discussed adequately here (for fuller discussion, see both Hallett 2008 and 2010a).

SEP

Don't ask for codes or subscriptions... Do not post threads that have a topic that cannot be discussed or have no topic good for discussion at all.

WikiHow

An issue cannot be discussed because it is controversial!

The New York Times

Clearly, no-fault divorce cannot be discussed in a vacuum.

The New York Times

The only place it cannot be discussed, it seems, is in a United States courtroom.

The New York Times

Officially homosexuality will be considered illegal, something incorrect and something that cannot be discussed with children.

The New York Times

The Syrian foreign minister's recent press conference statement that Assad's future cannot be discussed in Geneva will have irritated Putin.

The Guardian - Opinion

But schools and education cannot be discussed as if they existed in isolation from a myriad of social problems.

The New York Times

"The only place in the world where torture and rendition cannot be discussed is U.S. courtrooms,"he said.

The New York Times

Yet as certain issues, notably pricing policy, cannot be discussed among competitors, the regulators will still have to get involved.

The Economist

For reasons of political sensitivity, the petition, which has been seen by this newspaper, cannot be discussed in detail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be discussed", clearly state the reason why the topic is off-limits to avoid confusion or speculation. For instance, "The terms of the settlement cannot be discussed due to a confidentiality agreement."

Common error

While "cannot be discussed" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing passive constructions. Consider active alternatives if appropriate, such as "we will not discuss" or "the agreement prevents discussion of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be discussed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a particular subject is not permissible for conversation or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be discussed" is a versatile expression used to indicate that a topic is off-limits for conversation or debate. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various domains, especially in news, media, and scientific contexts. While the phrase serves a clear purpose, alternatives such as "is not up for discussion" or "is off-limits" can offer nuanced variations. When employing "cannot be discussed", consider providing context for the restriction to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not up for discussion

Emphasizes that the topic is definitively closed to debate.

is off-limits

Indicates that the topic is forbidden or restricted.

is a forbidden topic

Highlights the prohibited nature of the subject.

is not open for debate

Similar to "is not up for discussion", but slightly more formal.

is a sensitive subject

Suggests the topic may cause discomfort or offense if discussed.

is a matter best left untouched

Implies the topic is better avoided to prevent problems.

is not for public consumption

Indicates the information is confidential and not intended for general knowledge.

is a confidential matter

Highlights the secrecy and privacy surrounding the subject.

is not appropriate for this forum

Suggests the topic is unsuitable for the current setting or audience.

is something we're unable to address

Indicates an inability or unwillingness to engage with the topic.

FAQs

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

The phrase "cannot be discussed" indicates that a topic is off-limits or inappropriate for conversation. For example, "Details of the ongoing investigation "cannot be discussed" at this time."

What's a more formal alternative to "cannot be discussed"?

A more formal alternative is "is not subject to discussion". You could also say, "the matter is confidential and "cannot be addressed" publicly."

Is it better to use "cannot be discussed" or "should not be discussed"?

"Cannot be discussed" implies a prohibition or restriction, while "should not be discussed" suggests a recommendation or advisement. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when someone says a topic "cannot be discussed"?

It typically means there are specific reasons—such as confidentiality, legal restrictions, or sensitivity—that prevent the topic from being openly talked about. It might also indicate that the person lacks the authority or knowledge to comment on the matter.