cannot be given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not able to be provided or supplied. Example: "Due to privacy concerns, certain information cannot be given to the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Peasants cannot be given power anymore.

Yale University

A+ cannot be given at Yale.

Yale University

It cannot be given to any other Government agency,.

The New York Times

But the food industry cannot be given carte blanche.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Give: This book cannot be given to someone else.

The New Yorker

Further description of the charges cannot be given for legal reasons.

The Guardian

Further description of the charges against Pell cannot be given for legal reasons.

The Guardian

Under military rules for reporters here, the location of American installations cannot be given.

The New York Times

To begin with, organic cows cannot be given hormones to stimulate milk production.

The Washington Post

It cannot be given to newborns or anyone with a compromised immune system.

The New York Times - Health

Importantly, such assets cannot be given away, or sold off to private parties.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose synonyms like "provided" or "supplied" when you want to subtly shift the focus from the act of giving to the act of furnishing or making something available.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be given" when a more direct and active voice would be clearer. For example, instead of saying "access cannot be given to unauthorized personnel", use "unauthorized personnel cannot access the system".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be given" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates that something is impossible or impermissible to provide. Ludwig AI data confirms its widespread usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in expressing restrictions or limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be given" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express impossibility or prohibition. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's important to consider more direct, active voice alternatives for enhanced clarity. Be mindful of the context to ensure precise and effective communication when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be provided

Replaces "given" with "provided", emphasizing the act of supplying something.

cannot be supplied

Substitutes "given" with "supplied", focusing on the act of furnishing something necessary.

is not allowed

Shifts the focus from the act of giving to the permissibility of the action.

is prohibited

Emphasizes the formal ban or restriction on something being given.

is not permitted

Similar to "is not allowed" but may imply a more official or formal restriction.

cannot be granted

Focuses on the act of formally bestowing or conferring something.

is not available

Highlights the lack of accessibility or readiness of something to be given.

cannot be offered

Emphasizes the act of presenting something for acceptance or refusal.

must not be given

Indicates a strong prohibition against giving something.

is out of the question

Expresses that something being given is completely impossible or unacceptable.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be given" to express that something is not permitted or possible to provide. For example, "Further description of the charges "cannot be given" for legal reasons."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cannot be given"?

You can use phrases like "cannot be provided", "is not allowed", or "is prohibited" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "cannot be given"?

While grammatically correct, "cannot be given" is in the passive voice. Consider using a more direct, active voice construction for clarity and impact where possible.

What is the difference between "cannot be given" and "must not be given"?

"Cannot be given" indicates impossibility or lack of permission, while "must not be given" implies a stronger prohibition or obligation not to give something.