cannot be packed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be packed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing items or concepts that are unable to be contained or organized into a package or container. Example: "Due to its size and shape, this furniture cannot be packed into the moving truck."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, nanoparticles cannot be packed in a column due to the high pressure drop they cause.

Applied Water Science

Sometimes a weight must be estimated, especially if the object cannot be packed until you have determined its class and know the packing requirements.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

An adherent of the true principles of civil disobedience cannot be packing a firearm.

The New York Times

They cannot be pack rats, or men who refuse to live by a few basic house rules: no overnight guests, no nudity in the public areas, no drinking whatsoever.

The New York Times

Anti-terror laws cannot be vacuum packed; they seep into the policing culture and create new paradigms of state power.

The Guardian

The 28-bytes of data produced by the accelerator at each cycle cannot be evenly packed into 512-byte frames.

Journal of Cloud Computing

The classes.jar saved in the temporary folder at this time is packed, so we cannot analyze it.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"I cannot go back to my country!" The detention center was packed.

The New York Times

Also in the inward-facing state HP2 is packed against the trimerization domain and cannot open in a manner observed in the outward-facing state.

eLife

When a suitcase is packed with too many clothes, the latch cannot reach the lock, and the clothes are not secured.

eLife

We cannot rule the possibility that the outer surface of the plastic bags in which the ice was packed was contaminated by oocysts from soil.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be packed" in technical writing, clearly specify the reason for the packing constraint, such as size, shape, or fragility. Be precise to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be packed" as a vague explanation. Instead of saying "the data cannot be packed", specify why, such as "the data cannot be packed efficiently due to its fragmented nature".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be packed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing impossibility. It indicates that something is not able to be placed into a container or arranged in a compact form. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showing usage in both scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be packed" expresses the impossibility of containing or arranging something within a confined space. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, though relatively rare in usage. Its primary function is to convey a constraint, often found in scientific, news media, and wiki contexts. While generally neutral in register, its presence in scientific literature suggests a degree of formality. Related phrases like "cannot be contained" or "cannot be accommodated" offer similar meanings, focusing on different aspects of the impossibility. Be precise when using "cannot be packed" and avoid overgeneralizations by clearly stating the reason for packing constraints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be contained

Focuses on the impossibility of containment within a defined space.

cannot be loaded

Emphasizes the inability to place items into a container or space.

cannot be stored

Highlights the lack of suitability for storage due to size or other constraints.

cannot be accommodated

Suggests a lack of space or capacity to fit something in.

cannot be fitted

Focuses on the inability to make something fit into a specific space.

cannot be stowed

Highlights the impossibility of putting something away neatly.

cannot be enclosed

Emphasizes the inability to surround something completely.

cannot be assembled

Focuses on the inability to put different parts together in a specific space

cannot be stockpiled

Highlights the lack of suitability for storage in large quantities

cannot be arranged

Emphasizes the impossibility of organizing something in a specific place.

FAQs

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

It means that something is impossible or impractical to put into a container or organized form, often due to size, shape, fragility, or other constraints.

What are some situations where something "cannot be packed"?

This can apply to physical objects too large or awkwardly shaped for standard packaging, or to abstract concepts that "cannot be contained" or easily categorized.

Which is more appropriate: "cannot be packed" or "cannot be packaged"?

"Cannot be packed" generally refers to the physical act of placing something in a container, while "cannot be packaged" implies a more formal or commercial packaging process. The choice depends on the specific context.

How can I rephrase "cannot be packed" to sound more formal?

Consider alternatives such as "is not amenable to packing", "is unsuitable for containment", or "exhibits characteristics precluding efficient packing."