cannot be enjoyed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be enjoyed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is not able to be appreciated or experienced positively. Example: "The movie was so poorly made that it cannot be enjoyed by anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Fondue cannot be enjoyed solo.

The New Yorker

And she cannot be enjoyed.

The New Yorker

The creepy, dispiriting ugliness of many Cornish villages cannot be enjoyed even ironically.

Independent

But even then their fruits cannot be enjoyed until God is given his share.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is not to say that eggs Benedict cannot be enjoyed sober.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Prosperity for some cannot be enjoyed in the midst of poverty for most.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"We have reached the stage with Cook when he cannot be enjoying cricket.

BBC

Echoing Constant, Michael Walzer considers that the two conceptions "go hand in hand" since "the security provided by the authorities cannot just be enjoyed; it must itself be secured, and sometimes against the authorities themselves.

SEP

"They are of an age when that right cannot, in practice, be enjoyed if both of their parents cannot return to the United Kingdom".

Independent

Thus we cannot expect that the favorable asymptotic characteristics of MAP estimates will be enjoyed in the inference of change points.

Bioinformatics

All three actresses seem to be enjoying their moment, even if they know it cannot last.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be enjoyed", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It cannot be enjoyed", specify what "it" refers to: "The overly complex plot cannot be enjoyed by casual viewers".

Common error

While grammatically sound, "cannot be enjoyed" can sound stilted in casual conversation. Opt for more natural phrasing like "isn't fun" or "can't be appreciated" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be enjoyed" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to describe a subject that is unable to elicit positive feelings or pleasure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Examples include describing a game that is too complex or land that is inaccessible.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be enjoyed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, according to Ludwig AI, employed to convey the inability to derive pleasure or satisfaction from something. It is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for a broad range of applications. While alternatives like "cannot be appreciated" or "is not enjoyable" exist, "cannot be enjoyed" provides a clear and direct way to communicate a lack of positive experience. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be appreciated

Focuses on the lack of recognition or understanding of the value or quality of something, differing from mere enjoyment.

cannot be relished

Emphasizes the inability to savor or take great pleasure in something, suggesting a deeper level of enjoyment is missing.

cannot be savored

Highlights the impossibility of fully experiencing and enjoying something, implying a loss of a rich or complex experience.

cannot be delighted in

Suggests a more intense form of enjoyment that is unattainable, implying a lack of joy or excitement.

cannot be found pleasurable

Directly states the absence of pleasure, focusing on the subjective experience of the individual.

is unenjoyable

Simplifies the phrase to a single adjective, indicating a general lack of enjoyment.

fails to provide enjoyment

Emphasizes the lack of a specific outcome, highlighting the failure to deliver a positive experience.

is not a source of pleasure

Focuses on the lack of positive emotional response, emphasizing the absence of happiness or satisfaction.

does not offer enjoyment

Highlights the unavailability of enjoyment, suggesting a deficiency in the inherent qualities of something.

lacks appeal

Indicates a general absence of attractiveness or interest, diverging from direct enjoyment but implying a similar lack of positive reception.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "cannot be enjoyed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "cannot be appreciated", "cannot be reveled in", or "does not lend itself to enjoyment" depending on the specific context.

What's a simpler way to say "cannot be enjoyed"?

In more casual contexts, you can replace "cannot be enjoyed" with phrases like "isn't fun", "can't be appreciated", or "is not enjoyable".

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

Yes, "can't be enjoyed" is a grammatically correct contraction of "cannot be enjoyed" and is perfectly acceptable in informal writing and speech. "Cannot be enjoyed" is more formal.

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

The phrase "cannot be enjoyed" is best used when you want to express that something lacks the qualities necessary for deriving pleasure or satisfaction, often due to inherent flaws or limitations.