cannot be justified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be justified" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not reasonable or valid. For example, "The destruction of the rainforest for short-term economic gain cannot be justified."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Beliefs cannot be justified.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It cannot be justified".

The New York Times - Science

As such it simply cannot be justified".

Independent

The invasion of Iraq cannot be justified.

The New York Times

Vanunu's continued imprisonment cannot be justified.

The Guardian

"It cannot be justified by any amount of money.

The New York Times

But the changes as proposed cannot be justified.

The Guardian

The decline cannot be justified by any of these ideas.

The New York Times

Secret justice is not justice and simply cannot be justified.

The Guardian

This is illegal, immoral and cannot be justified".

Independent

But costly composites cannot be justified throughout an aircraft.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be justified" to express strong disapproval or disagreement, especially when arguing against a specific action or decision. It clearly conveys that something is unreasonable or unacceptable.

Common error

While "cannot be justified" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "not right" or "unfair" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be justified" functions as a judgmental assertion, typically expressing strong disagreement or disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be justified" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey strong disagreement or condemnation. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and applicability across diverse writing styles. While highly effective, it's advisable to use this phrase judiciously in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and academic publications underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unjustifiable

Highlights that there's no argument that makes an action fair or right.

lacks justification

Directly states the absence of a valid reason.

is unsupportable

Highlights that something cannot be advocated or defended.

is indefensible

Focuses on the lack of defense for an action or belief.

is unwarranted

Emphasizes the absence of a legitimate need or reason.

has no basis

Stresses the lack of factual support or rationale.

is inexcusable

Highlights that something is beyond being excused or forgiven.

is unacceptable

Indicates something does not meet standards or expectations.

is groundless

Emphasizes the lack of a solid foundation or basis.

is not permissible

Focuses on the lack of permission or authorization.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be justified" to express that something is unreasonable or unacceptable. For instance, "The company's decision to lay off employees during a profitable quarter "cannot be justified"."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be justified"?

Alternatives include "is indefensible", "is unwarranted", or "lacks justification", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cannot be justified" or "is not justified"?

"Cannot be justified" carries a stronger, more definitive tone. "Is not justified" is also correct but might sound less assertive. Choose the phrase that best suits the level of emphasis you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be justified" in writing?

It's suitable for formal writing, argumentative essays, and professional communication where you need to express a strong stance against something. It's also found often in "news media" and "scientific" writing.