cannot be done

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot be done" is a grammatically correct sentence that is commonly used in written English.
An example sentence might be, "The proposed task simply cannot be done in the time allotted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It just cannot be done".

Independent

"It cannot be done individually".

The New York Times

Surely, it cannot be done.

Independent

That cannot be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

This cannot be done fast.

The New York Times

"It cannot be done," he said quietly.

The New Yorker

But sometimes it cannot be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

And still, it cannot be done.

The New Yorker

This job cannot be done without research.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It cannot be done on the Internet.

Los Angeles Times

They cannot be done as originally envisaged.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be done", ensure that the context clearly explains why something is impossible or unachievable. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be done" when you mean "is difficult" or "requires significant effort". Reserve it for situations that are genuinely impossible under current circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be done" functions as a declarative statement expressing impossibility or infeasibility. Ludwig examples showcase its use across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in conveying that a specific action or task is not achievable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be done" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate impossibility or infeasibility. As Ludwig shows, it appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain settings. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to effectively communicating the reasons behind the impossibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not possible

States a straightforward impossibility, similar in tone and strength to the original phrase.

is simply impossible

Adds emphasis to the impossibility, conveying a stronger sense of finality.

is unachievable

Highlights the impossibility of reaching a particular goal or outcome.

is not feasible

Emphasizes the impracticality of something, often due to logistical or resource constraints.

is unworkable

Highlights the impracticality of a plan or system.

is not viable

Suggests that something cannot succeed or sustain itself.

is beyond reach

Indicates that something is unattainable, often implying a distance or barrier.

is not an option

Indicates that something is not a possibility or choice.

is out of the question

Indicates that something is not allowed or considered.

is a lost cause

Expresses a sense of futility, suggesting that effort is no longer worthwhile.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be done" to express impossibility. For example: "Replicating the experiment exactly "cannot be done" due to variations in environmental conditions."

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

Alternatives include "is not possible", "is unachievable", or "is out of the question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be done"?

It's appropriate when describing situations where an action or outcome is fundamentally impossible given the current constraints or conditions. Don't use it if something is merely difficult or requires a lot of effort.

Is "cannot be done" formal or informal?

The phrase "cannot be done" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for alternatives like "is not feasible" to maintain a more elevated tone.