cannot be mentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be mentioned" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is frequently used when discussing topics that are taboo, embarrassing, or inappropriate to bring up in polite conversation. For example, "The unfortunate incident last week cannot be mentioned again."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

In any organization, the importance of failure management cannot be mentioned by a single word.

Mathematical and Computer Modelling

We apologize to those authors whose publications cannot be mentioned here owing to space constraints.

Nature

Everybody is told that for legal reasons the court case cannot be mentioned.

The Guardian - Music

The king's role... China, I don't see how it cannot be mentioned.

Independent

Due to lack of space all the interesting multidiscipline items cannot be mentioned, but only the main results are presented.

Fusion Engineering and Design

God, whose name cannot be mentioned, is present in the hearts of the believers but the prayers for the couple are silenced.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The massacre cannot even be mentioned in the Chinese media.

The New Yorker

The number of catalytic reactions is huge and in an introduction like this they cannot even be mentioned in a table or list.

Reference Module in Chemistry, Molecular Sciences and Chemical Engineering

This was perhaps a reference to the British gulag, somewhere in the frozen tundra north of Bolton, which cannot usually be mentioned in the official UK media.

Independent

Since "profit" centrism still exists in business literature and practice, a sharp transition from profit orientation to environment orientation cannot exactly be mentioned.

Business Research

His blackness is so obvious it cannot dare be mentioned by him or anyone near his campaign.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be mentioned" when you want to indicate that a topic is deliberately avoided due to its sensitive, controversial, or confidential nature.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be mentioned" as a lazy substitute for clear communication. If possible, provide a brief, respectful explanation for why the topic is being omitted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be mentioned" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is impossible or forbidden to discuss. It is frequently used to signal sensitivity, confidentiality, or legal restrictions around a particular topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

31%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be mentioned" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that a topic is deliberately avoided. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it signals that something is impossible or forbidden to discuss, due to sensitivity, confidentiality, or legal restrictions. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science, reflecting its use in discussing sensitive topics. Alternatives include "cannot be discussed" or "is unmentionable". When using this phrase, it's best to briefly explain why the topic is omitted, instead of relying solely on euphemisms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be discussed

Focuses on the inability to have a conversation about the topic.

must not be spoken of

Emphasizes a prohibition or taboo against mentioning the subject.

is unmentionable

Highlights the inappropriate or sensitive nature of the topic.

is off-limits

Indicates that the subject is prohibited or restricted.

is a forbidden topic

Explicitly states that the topic is not allowed to be discussed.

is a taboo subject

Emphasizes the cultural or social prohibition against discussing the topic.

should not be raised

Suggests that bringing up the topic is inadvisable or inappropriate.

is better left unsaid

Indicates that silence on the matter is preferable.

remains unspoken

Highlights the lack of explicit discussion or acknowledgement.

is not up for discussion

Firmly declares the topic as closed to debate or consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot be mentioned" to indicate that a topic is too sensitive, taboo, or legally restricted to discuss directly. For example, "For legal reasons, the details of the settlement "cannot be mentioned"".

What are some alternative phrases for "cannot be mentioned"?

Some alternatives include "cannot be discussed", "is unmentionable", or "is off-limits", each carrying a slightly different nuance regarding the reason for the omission.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be mentioned"?

It's appropriate to use "cannot be mentioned" when referring to information that is confidential, legally restricted, or culturally taboo. However, consider whether a more specific explanation is possible without violating the restriction.

Is "cannot be mentioned" formal or informal?

"Cannot be mentioned" is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts where discretion is required.