cannot be honoured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be honoured" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that a request, promise, or obligation cannot be fulfilled or respected. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the agreement we made cannot be honoured."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Otherwise such claims cannot be honoured free of charge.

Springer

Making promises that cannot be honoured has the potential to undermine much of the goodwill that the public has in relation to medical research.

European Journal of Human Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

'I would be honoured!

The Guardian - Books

Whatever has been signed must be honoured.

The Guardian

"I would be honoured," the insider replied.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This safety must be honoured".

BBC

You would expect that to be honoured.

BBC

He/she must be honoured accordingly.

Health Policy and Planning

That we're honoured and stunningly grateful cannot be overstated.

The Guardian

I am honoured".

Independent

Bets are honoured.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be honoured", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific agreement, promise, or obligation is being referenced. Providing specific context improves clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be honoured" when a simple apology or explanation for a delay is sufficient. This phrase suggests a fundamental inability to fulfill a commitment, not just a temporary setback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be honoured" functions as a declarative statement indicating the inability to fulfill a promise, agreement, or obligation. Ludwig examples show usage in contexts where commitments are not met due to unforeseen circumstances or policy changes. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be honoured" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate the inability to fulfill a commitment. While relatively rare in occurrence, according to Ludwig, it appears in reputable sources such as news outlets and scientific publications. Alternatives like "cannot be fulfilled" or "cannot be respected" can be used depending on the context. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount, ensuring the referenced promise or obligation is clearly defined. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be fulfilled

Focuses on the inability to complete or satisfy a requirement.

cannot be respected

Highlights the lack of adherence to an agreement or principle.

cannot be upheld

Emphasizes the failure to maintain or support a decision or agreement.

cannot be kept

Directly addresses the breaking of a promise or commitment.

cannot be delivered

Implies the impossibility of providing something that was promised.

cannot be guaranteed

Indicates that a certain outcome or result is not assured.

will not be honored

Similar meaning but utilizes the future tense and passive voice.

will not be fulfilled

Future tense and passive form focusing on not being completed.

cannot be satisfied

Focuses on the impossibility of meeting a condition or expectation.

cannot be executed

Focuses on the inability to perform an action or carry out a plan.

FAQs

What does "cannot be honoured" mean?

The phrase "cannot be honoured" means that a promise, agreement, or commitment is impossible to fulfill or respect. It signifies a situation where an obligation cannot be met.

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

You can use alternatives like "cannot be fulfilled", "cannot be respected", or "cannot be upheld" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "cannot be honoured" in formal writing?

Yes, "cannot be honoured" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing legal obligations or agreements. However, consider the specific context and whether a more direct synonym like "cannot be fulfilled" would be clearer.

When should I avoid using "cannot be honoured"?

Avoid using "cannot be honoured" in informal settings where it may sound overly formal or dramatic. In such cases, simpler alternatives like "can't be done" or "cannot be kept" might be more appropriate.