cannot be excluded

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot be excluded" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is highly likely or cannot be ruled out. For example: "Given the circumstances, a natural disaster cannot be excluded."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It cannot be excluded.

The New York Times

Further social unrest cannot be excluded.

The Economist

particle surface layer cannot be excluded, either.

Polymer

However, type II error cannot be excluded.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Values higher than 4.5°C cannot be excluded".

The Economist

Simultaneous existence of a commonly accepted Li2CO3 cannot be excluded.

Catalysis Today

The presence of ligule cannot be excluded definitely.

Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology

"It cannot be excluded," he said, as reported by Eurosport.com.

The New York Times - Sports

"Additional gunshot wounds cannot be excluded," the report noted.

The New York Times - Sports

Volume effects cannot be excluded.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

But errors cannot be excluded.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be excluded" when you want to convey that something is still a viable possibility or factor, even if it seems unlikely. Be sure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to.

Common error

While "cannot be excluded" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rewriting the sentence in active voice if appropriate. For example, instead of "A mistake cannot be excluded", try "We cannot exclude the possibility of a mistake."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be excluded" functions as a modal expression indicating a possibility or contingency that should not be dismissed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound expression used to convey that something is still viable or should be considered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be excluded" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that a possibility or factor should still be considered. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Its prevalence in science, news, and formal business contexts suggests a neutral to formal register. Alternatives such as "cannot be ruled out" and "remains a possibility" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and avoid overuse of passive voice to maintain strong and effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be ruled out

Emphasizes the impossibility of definitively dismissing a possibility.

cannot be dismissed

Focuses on the inability to disregard or reject something as irrelevant.

cannot be disregarded

Highlights the importance of not ignoring a particular factor or possibility.

remains a possibility

States that something continues to be a potential outcome or factor.

is still possible

Indicates that an event or situation could still occur.

is not out of the question

Suggests that something is within the realm of possibility, though perhaps unlikely.

remains conceivable

Indicates that something is capable of being imagined or understood.

should not be discounted

Highlights that something should still be considered as a possibility.

must be considered

Emphasizes the necessity of taking something into account.

is within the realm of possibility

Suggests that something exists as a potential outcome or factor.

FAQs

How to use "cannot be excluded" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be excluded" to suggest that something is possible or should be considered. For example, "The possibility of errors "cannot be excluded"."

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

You can use alternatives like "cannot be ruled out", "remains a possibility", or "is still possible" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cannot be excluded" or "can't be excluded"?

"Cannot be excluded" and "can't be excluded" are both grammatically correct, but "cannot be excluded" is more formal. "Can't be excluded" is a contraction and more appropriate for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "cannot be excluded" and "cannot be included"?

"Cannot be excluded" suggests something is still possible or under consideration, while "cannot be included" means something is not allowed or relevant.