cannot be operated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be operated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not functional or cannot be used as intended. Example: "The machinery cannot be operated until the safety checks are completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The only treatment for the tumor is surgery, and cases that cannot be operated on are invariably fatal.

The New York Times - Science

Because 21 Delta fish are listed as endangered, the pump cannot be operated as often as originally intended.

The Guardian

Jet aircraft cannot be operated without automatic control to aid the pilot, and control is equally critical for helicopters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From there, owners will be on a countdown until the tank is topped off: the cars will start just 20 more times before they cannot be operated.

The New York Times

The lack of fuel also means water pumps that provide clean drinking water cannot be operated, leaving many civilians forced to drink dirty water.

The Guardian

More than 13,000 desktop computers are four to eight years old, will not accommodate basic software and cannot be operated with a mouse, he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

But unlike 44 other states, New York classifies Segways as street vehicles, meaning they cannot legally be operated on sidewalks.

The New York Times

"And under no circumstances should Aliso Canyon ever be returned to service, even for a short period of time, if the company and the state cannot guarantee that it will be operated safely and with zero leaks, and provide hard evidence to that effect," he said.

Vice

LHW policies and programmes cannot be said to be operating outside of this process.

Health Research Policy and Systems

An OTP device[17, 18] cannot be repeatedly operated; it is used for its good retention.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Moreover, it cannot be repeatedly operated on the same patient [ 5, 6].

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be operated", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is preventing the operation. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be operated by itself" without specifying the subject or object. Always clarify what is unable to be operated and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be operated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is incapable of being used or controlled. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various contexts, showing a state of inability or restriction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be operated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction to indicate something is not functional or able to be used. Ludwig's analysis, along with the provided examples, confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. Alternatives like "is inoperable" or "is not functional" offer similar meanings. Remembering to specify the subject and reason enhances clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not able to be operated

Emphasizes a lack of ability to operate, adding a more descriptive tone.

is inoperable

A more concise and formal way of saying something cannot be operated.

is non-operational

A formal and technical term for something that is not currently in operation.

is out of service

Implies a temporary or permanent removal from operation, often for maintenance or repair.

is not functional

Focuses on the lack of proper functioning, suggesting a breakdown or defect.

is disabled

Suggests that the ability to operate has been intentionally or unintentionally removed.

is not working

A simple and informal way to express that something is not operating correctly.

cannot be used

Broadly states that the item or system is unusable, without specifying the reason.

is down

An informal term, commonly used for systems or equipment that are temporarily out of service.

is not in use

Indicates that something is not currently being operated, possibly due to disuse or inactivity.

FAQs

What does "cannot be operated" mean?

The phrase "cannot be operated" means that something is not able to function or be used in the way it was intended. This could be due to a mechanical issue, lack of power, safety concerns, or other factors.

What can I say instead of "cannot be operated"?

You can use alternatives like "is inoperable", "is out of service", or "is not functional" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "cannot be operated"?

Yes, "cannot be operated" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard passive voice construction in English.

How to use "cannot be operated" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be operated" in sentences like: "The machinery "cannot be operated" until safety checks are completed" or "The vehicle "cannot be operated" without a valid key fob".