cannot be needed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be needed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is not required or necessary in a particular context. Example: "In this situation, additional resources cannot be needed as we already have enough to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For the long term, BT maintenance and artificial dregs cannot be needed for 10 years in the future [ 36].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And you cannot do what is needed today while playing survival games in the Knesset".

The New York Times

You cannot admit change is needed because that would mean admitting you got it wrong".

The Guardian

If he cannot do what is needed this autumn, it is unlikely that he ever will.

The Economist

Nevertheless, further studies evaluating whether there are comparable complication rates and the same duration of procedure in emergency and trauma patients in whom head rotation cannot be possible are needed.

Critical Care

Further studies to confirm the findings and to explore the causes of illness among patients from whom a pathogen cannot be determined are needed.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Another possibility is measuring unmet need, the extent to which a child cannot receive care that is needed.

BMC Health Services Research

Labour cannot embrace the reforms that are needed".

The Guardian

One cannot deny that more research is needed into the effects of alternative treatments.

The New York Times

"Women are needed, we cannot waste this talent, and women are good for business," she said.

The New York Times

But they give an idea of what is needed, and cannot be supplied locally.In this section What ails Cuba's health service?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be needed", ensure the context clearly establishes why the need is absent. Be specific rather than vague to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be needed" when a possibility of needing something exists. Opt for softer phrasing like "might not be needed" if the situation is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be needed" functions as a modal construction expressing the absence of a necessity or requirement. Based on Ludwig, the phrase suggests that something is unnecessary or not required in a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be needed" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey that something is not required or necessary. While relatively rare in occurrence, as indicated by Ludwig's examples, it appears across various contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. The phrase functions as a modal construction, expressing the absence of a necessity, and it maintains a generally neutral register. When using "cannot be needed", clarity in context and avoidance of overstating certainty are key to effective communication. Alternatives such as "is not required" or "is unnecessary" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not required

Replaces the modal "cannot" with a simpler negation, focusing on the lack of requirement.

is unnecessary

Focuses on the lack of necessity, simplifying the modal construction.

is unneeded

A more direct synonym, simply stating that something is not needed.

is not essential

Emphasizes that something lacks importance or criticality.

is not called for

Indicates that a particular action or thing is not warranted or appropriate.

is not wanted

Focuses on the lack of desire or need for something.

is dispensable

Highlights that something is not crucial and can be done without.

is obviated

Implies that something is made unnecessary, often by a specific action or event.

is superfluous

Suggests that something is more than is needed, excessive.

is redundant

Indicates that something is repetitive or unnecessary because it duplicates something else.

FAQs

What does "cannot be needed" mean?

The phrase "cannot be needed" means something is not required or necessary in a given situation. It indicates a lack of demand or requirement.

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

You can use "cannot be needed" to express that something is unnecessary. For example: "In this context, additional resources "are not required" because we already have sufficient personnel."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be needed"?

Alternatives to "cannot be needed" include "is unnecessary", "is not required", or "is dispensable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "is not needed" and "cannot be needed" are grammatically correct, but "cannot be needed" often carries a stronger sense of certainty or impossibility. The choice depends on the context and the level of emphasis desired.