cannot be mapped out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be mapped out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, ideas, or situations that are too complex or abstract to be clearly defined or represented visually. Example: "The intricacies of human emotions cannot be mapped out in a simple diagram."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It also means that projects cannot be mapped out in a neat fashion.

Harvard Business Review

Important differences among these terms cannot be mapped out here.

SEP

Schwaber consulted experts in industrial processes who informed him that software development cannot be mapped out and carefully planned; it must be observed.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"My project is about trying to map this terror incognita like a train that cannot be mapped," he tells Creators.

Vice

Similarly, when only reactions are represented in the map, data from metabolomic experiments cannot be mapped.

Plosone

Six additional gene symbols cannot be mapped.

BMC Genomics

Furthermore, some metabolites cannot be mapped to any pathways.

Analytical Chemistry

These are mapped out in the table.

The Economist

My favourite combinations are mapped out below.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Tom is mapping out what he needs.

The New York Times - Sports

Not everything is mapped out.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be mapped out" when you want to express that a situation, concept, or plan is too complex or uncertain to be precisely defined or structured in advance. It's particularly effective when discussing abstract ideas, dynamic processes, or unpredictable events.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be mapped out" when a simpler phrase like "cannot be planned" or "is unpredictable" would suffice. Overusing the phrase in straightforward contexts can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be mapped out" functions as a descriptor, indicating the impossibility of creating a detailed plan or representation. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be mapped out" is a grammatically sound way to describe something too intricate or unpredictable for detailed planning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is suitable for diverse contexts ranging from science to news media, yet is mostly absent from formal or business communication. When choosing to use this phrase, consider simpler alternatives if the context doesn't require the emphasis on complexity that "cannot be mapped out" provides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be precisely defined

Focuses on the lack of a clear, accurate definition rather than the inability to chart or plan.

cannot be clearly delineated

Highlights the absence of distinct boundaries or divisions.

cannot be easily predicted

Emphasizes the unpredictability of future outcomes.

cannot be fully understood

Focuses on the limits of comprehension rather than the lack of a plan.

defies precise planning

Highlights that the action of planning itself is challenged.

is not amenable to planning

Indicates that something is unsuitable for being planned.

remains uncharted territory

Uses a metaphorical image for something undiscovered and undefined.

is beyond comprehension

Highlights that the idea or situation is very difficult to grasp.

eludes precise definition

Highlights that there is an ambiguity on the precise definition of the idea.

cannot be systematically organized

Highlights a missing systematic organization of the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be mapped out" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be mapped out" to describe something that is too complex or uncertain to be precisely planned or defined. For example, "The future of the industry "cannot be mapped out" with any certainty."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be mapped out"?

Some alternatives include "cannot be precisely defined", "cannot be clearly delineated", or "cannot be easily predicted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cannot be mapped out" or "cannot be planned"?

"Cannot be mapped out" implies a higher degree of complexity and uncertainty than "cannot be planned". Use "cannot be mapped out" when the situation is inherently complex and defies precise structuring, while "cannot be planned" is suitable for more straightforward situations where planning is simply not possible.

What does it mean when something "cannot be mapped out"?

When something "cannot be mapped out", it means that it is impossible or very difficult to create a detailed plan or representation of it in advance. This is often because the situation is too dynamic, complex, or uncertain to be accurately predicted or structured.