cannot be maintained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be maintained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that something is unable to be sustained or preserved. For example: "The credibility of the company's leadership cannot be maintained if they continue to make decisions without consulting their shareholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Status quo cannot be maintained.

The Guardian

"Even the existing investment cannot be maintained.

The Guardian - Opinion

Public confidence cannot be maintained if she refuses".

The Guardian

The denial is extreme, and cannot be maintained.

Cornell University

Equally, these social values cannot be maintained through technology alone.

University of California, Berkeley

But this superior performance cannot be maintained indefinitely.

The Economist

Today's status quo absolutely, to a certainty, I promise you 100%, cannot be maintained.

The Guardian

A private army with associates around the world cannot be maintained on a shoestring budget.

The New York Times

Equilibrium between the two phases cannot be maintained and the approximation of reversibility is not reasonable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

These cases show conclusively that the contention of counsel for the complainant cannot be maintained.

Cornell University

As a consequence of the inactivation, the surfactant becomes dysfunctional, and respiration cannot be maintained properly.

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be maintained", ensure the context clearly defines what is unsustainable and why. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

While "cannot be maintained" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal documents. Vary your language with synonyms like "unsustainable" or "not viable" to enhance readability and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be maintained" functions as a modal construction expressing impossibility or unsustainability. It is a passive form, indicating that something is incapable of being continued or preserved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be maintained" is a versatile phrase indicating that something is unsustainable or impossible to continue. As Ludwig AI correctly states, this expression is grammatically sound and frequently used. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence across news, scientific, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, it's best to ensure that the context clearly defines what is unsustainable. Varying your vocabulary with alternatives such as "is unsustainable" or "is no longer viable" can also prevent overuse and refine the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be sustained

Focuses on the lack of capacity to support or keep up.

is unsustainable

This alternative directly addresses the lack of sustainability.

is impossible to continue

This phrase highlights the impossibility of continuation.

is no longer viable

This suggests the option is not practical or feasible.

is unsupportable

Highlights the inability to provide necessary support.

is bound to fail

Predicts a future negative outcome due to unsustainability.

is on its last legs

Implies something is nearing its end and cannot continue much longer.

will inevitably collapse

Emphasizes an unavoidable and complete failure.

is simply not doable

Focuses on the lack of feasibility.

is sure to end

Highlights the certainty of termination.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be maintained" to indicate something that is unsustainable or impossible to continue. For example, "This level of spending "cannot be maintained" without significant budget cuts."

What's a more formal way to say "cannot be maintained"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "is unsustainable" or "is no longer viable" for a more professional tone.

What does it mean when something "cannot be maintained"?

When something "cannot be maintained", it signifies that the current state or level is unsustainable and will likely change or cease to exist.

Is "cannot be sustained" the same as "cannot be maintained"?

Yes, "cannot be sustained" is a very close synonym and can often be used interchangeably with "cannot be maintained", focusing on the inability to support or keep up a certain condition.