cannot be initiated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be initiated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an action or process is unable to start or commence due to certain conditions or limitations. Example: "Due to the system error, the update cannot be initiated until the issue is resolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Moreover, proceedings for debt adjustment of individuals cannot be initiated by creditors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After repolarization there is a period during which a second action potential cannot be initiated, no matter how large a stimulus current is applied to the neuron.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two bureaucrats said that action cannot be initiated in one shot against all those whose names figured in the Lokayukta mining report, owing to severe shortage of staff in many departments.

The New York Times

These compounds are not available to react with DNA; therefore, cancer cannot be initiated.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

For very large activation energy, the planar detonation cannot propagate via auto-ignition mechanism, the detonation wave cannot be initiated even in the planar case.

Combustion and Flame

Intra-phase gas (gas-in-gas) and oil (oil-in-oil) diffusions cannot be initiated due to phase discontinuities between the fracture and the rock matrix.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The effect of impaired splicing on the transcript as a whole is unknown, and whether or not nonsense mediated decay (NMD) will be initiated cannot be predicted.

Biology Open

To exclude FAD when fleas or flea faeces cannot be found, an effective flea control program should be initiated.

BMC Veterinary Research

Fluctuation tests cannot reveal whether revertants are initiated by duplications or amplifications that arose prior to plating.

Genetics

This general right of confidentiality also extends to court and authority proceedings; in other words, it grants exemption from testimony obligation to the media (it should be noted that, based on the above, "authority proceedings" cannot be proceedings initiated by the Media Council).

The Economist

Once a transaction is initiated, it cannot be reversed.

Financial Innovation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be initiated", ensure the context clearly identifies what action or process is being prevented from starting.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be initiated" in very simple sentences where a more direct verb like "start" or "begin" would be more effective. This can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be initiated" functions as a passive construction expressing that a particular action or process is unable to begin or commence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be initiated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that conveys the inability to start a process or action. Ludwig AI confirms this. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse in overly simple sentences, where more direct alternatives may be appropriate. The phrase can be replaced by similar expressions like "cannot be started" or "cannot be commenced", depending on the desired tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be started

Replaces "initiated" with the more common synonym "started".

cannot be commenced

Substitutes "initiated" with the more formal term "commenced".

cannot be begun

Uses "begun" as a synonym for "initiated", offering a slightly simpler alternative.

cannot be triggered

Employs "triggered" to suggest that some event or condition is unable to activate something else.

cannot be activated

Replaces "initiated" with "activated", implying that a process or system is unable to be turned on.

cannot be set in motion

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the idea that something is unable to be started or put into action.

cannot be launched

Substitutes "initiated" with "launched", implying that a project or initiative cannot be started.

cannot be implemented

Uses "implemented" to focus on the inability to put a plan or system into effect.

cannot be established

Emphasizes the impossibility of setting up or creating something.

cannot be originated

Uses "originated" to highlight the inability to create or start something new.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be initiated" to describe situations where a process, action, or event is unable to start. For example: "The software update "cannot be initiated" due to a system error."

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

You can use alternatives like "cannot be started", "cannot be commenced", or "cannot be begun" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "cannot be initiated" or "cannot start"?

The choice depends on the desired level of formality. "Cannot start" is simpler and more direct, while "cannot be initiated" is more formal and often used in technical or official contexts. Use "cannot start" for daily conversations and use "cannot be initiated" in formal writings.

What is the difference between "cannot be initiated" and "cannot be executed"?

"Cannot be initiated" means something is unable to begin. "Cannot be executed" means something has started but is unable to be completed or carried out. Initiation refers to the beginning, while execution refers to the process of carrying something out to completion.