cannot be documented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be documented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something lacks formal records or evidence. Example: "The details of the event cannot be documented due to the absence of reliable sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Because farmers are not required to report antibiotic use in animals, the reduction cannot be documented.

The New York Times

Such conditions hardly strengthened the empire and must have contributed, in ways that cannot be documented with certainty, to the political unrest that was their own main cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Element 118 is also radioactive, but, since only three atoms of this element have thus far been observed, its physical and chemical properties cannot be documented).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The reasons for this cannot be documented, but they most likely stem in part from Giovanni's experience with Giotto's monumental and heroic style which was already in the ascendancy by the time that the Pistoia pulpit was completed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Due to the low number of cases, this hypothesis cannot be documented in our study.

Annals of Intensive Care

Many cognitive and psychological limitations cannot be documented by reference to physical anomalies.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Claims can be filed for up to 24 months after the service is provided, but much of the required material cannot be retroactively documented.

The New York Times

However, the exact association for development of shortening whether primarily due to injury (and consequential osteonecrosis) or because of treatment cannot be easily documented.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

The scoring of clinical situations sometimes requires explanations or examples that cannot be fully documented in the interRAI AC itself.

BMC Geriatrics

Regarding the second hypothesis focusing on parasite virulence and infectivity, it cannot be further documented in our conditions a possible interaction between Teladorsagia/ Trichostrongylus and Haemonchus during the host establishment as described by Hoste and Cabaret [ 10].

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

While pre-germination conditions and germination (stage I) cannot be unequivocally documented for this ginkgophyte based on the fossils at hand (see below), the second stage (stage II) is characterized by the development of a short shoot axis, a typical gymnosperm taproot, and the appearance of the first 2 4 leaves (the primary leaves).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be documented" when you specifically mean that formal records or evidence are lacking. For example, "The precise origins of the tradition "cannot be documented" due to the lack of historical records."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be documented" in very casual conversations; simpler phrases like "can't be proven" or "there's no record of it" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be documented" functions as a declarative statement indicating the absence of formal records or evidence. Ludwig AI provides examples from news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, demonstrating its utility in conveying a lack of verifiable information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be documented" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the absence of formal records or verifiable evidence. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase appears frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedia articles. Although correct, remember it has a formal tone and simpler alternatives are preferred in casual conversation. When writing, it's essential to consider the context and audience to choose the most appropriate wording. Keep in mind that while something "cannot be documented", it doesn't necessarily mean it is false, just that there is a lack of formal proof.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be proven

Indicates a lack of conclusive evidence to establish something as true.

cannot be substantiated

Implies a lack of support or confirmation for a claim or statement.

cannot be verified

Highlights the inability to confirm the accuracy or truthfulness of something.

cannot be evidenced

Focuses on the absence of evidence to support a particular claim or fact.

cannot be validated

Suggests that something cannot be officially confirmed or approved.

lacks documentation

Emphasizes the absence of formal records or paperwork.

is not recordable

Highlights the impossibility or impracticality of recording something.

is unverifiable

Similar to "cannot be verified", emphasizing the impossibility of confirming something.

is unconfirmed

Suggests that something has not been officially confirmed or validated.

remains unproven

Emphasizes that something has not yet been established as true or factual.

FAQs

What does "cannot be documented" mean?

The phrase "cannot be documented" means there is a lack of formal records or evidence to support or prove something. It implies that information is missing or unavailable in a recorded form.

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

You can use alternatives like "cannot be proven", "cannot be verified", or "lacks documentation" depending on the context.

Is "cannot be documented" formal or informal?

The phrase "cannot be documented" is generally considered formal and is often used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts. Simpler alternatives are preferable for informal settings.

How is "cannot be documented" different from "cannot be proven"?

"Cannot be documented" specifically refers to the absence of formal records or evidence, whereas "cannot be proven" implies a broader lack of conclusive evidence to establish something as true. Documentation is one type of evidence.