cannot be prevented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be prevented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is unavoidable or inevitable. Example: "Despite our best efforts, some issues cannot be prevented in the course of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What cannot be prevented is best accommodated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Emergencies cannot be prevented, but they can be better managed.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

The declarer cannot be prevented from drawing trumps and running diamonds.

The New York Times - Arts

The risk to these operators is clear: unseen threats cannot be prevented or contained.

The Guardian

And where they cannot be prevented, we can move more quickly to minimize the horror...

The New York Times

South is stuck in the dummy and West cannot be prevented from scoring the spade jack.

The New York Times - Arts

Even when these cannot be prevented, more could usually be done to alleviate their effects.

The Guardian - Opinion

Results show that the surf-riding cannot be prevented by the adjusting of LCB.

International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering

When performing shallow tunnel construction, settlements on the ground surface often cannot be prevented.

Underground Space

Secondly, if an accident cannot be prevented, the chance of serious injury will be markedly reduced.

IATSS Research

However, the Cd leachate cannot be prevented in the early stages of curing.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be prevented" to acknowledge limitations while emphasizing proactive mitigation strategies where possible. For example, "While all errors "cannot be prevented", thorough testing can significantly reduce their occurrence."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be prevented" as an excuse for inaction or lack of preparedness. Instead, demonstrate a commitment to minimizing risks even when complete prevention is impossible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be prevented" functions as a modal expression indicating an impossibility of averting or stopping a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where the phrase is used to acknowledge unavoidable circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be prevented" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote inevitability. Ludwig AI shows that it appears frequently in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While it effectively conveys that an event is unavoidable, it is crucial to use it responsibly, avoiding its misuse as an excuse for inaction. Understanding its alternatives, such as ""is unavoidable"" or "cannot be avoided", can further refine communication. By recognizing the situations where its application is most appropriate, writers can effectively convey realistic expectations and strategic approaches.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unavoidable

Focuses on the inevitability of the event, implying that it's impossible to evade.

is inevitable

Emphasizes the certainty of the event happening, suggesting a natural or logical progression.

cannot be stopped

Highlights the inability to halt or cease the progression of something.

cannot be avoided

Focuses on the impossibility of steering clear of a particular situation or outcome.

is bound to happen

Suggests a high likelihood of occurrence based on current conditions or circumstances.

is a foregone conclusion

Implies that the outcome is already determined and cannot be altered.

is beyond control

Emphasizes the lack of influence or management over the event or situation.

is out of one's hands

Highlights that the situation is no longer under someone's jurisdiction or ability to change.

is set in stone

Indicates that the decision or outcome is final and unchangeable.

is written in the stars

Suggests that the event is predetermined by fate or destiny.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be prevented" to describe events or outcomes that are unavoidable despite efforts to the contrary. For instance, "Some level of risk "is unavoidable" in any complex project, and certain delays "cannot be prevented"."

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be prevented"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "is inevitable", ""is unavoidable"", or "cannot be avoided" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "cannot be prevented" or "cannot be avoided"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "cannot be avoided" might be slightly more common in general usage, while "cannot be prevented" can emphasize proactive measures taken before the inevitable event.

When should I use "cannot be prevented" instead of "is impossible"?

"Cannot be prevented" is suitable when efforts have been made to avert something, but it remains inevitable. "Is impossible" is a broader statement indicating a lack of feasibility from the outset.