cannot be proven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be proven" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something cannot be proven or verified through evidence or logical reasoning. Example: "Despite extensive research and analysis, the existence of ghosts cannot be proven."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This cannot be proven.

The Guardian - Sport

But, Deutrom argued, that cannot be proven.

The New York Times - Sports

The system's consistency cannot be proven within the system.

The New Yorker

If it cannot be proven, then it cannot be guilty".

The Guardian - Sport

The report admits a bubble cannot be proven conclusively unless it bursts.

The Guardian - Business

Sales of ivory which cannot be proven to be over 70 years old will be banned.

The Guardian

Let us assume, for the present, that ownership by California cannot be proven.

Cornell University

Thus, it cannot be proven that migration was the reason for genetic separation.

Nature

It cannot be proven whether the women affected by these changes were given reasonable notice.

The Guardian - Money

Nevertheless, in instances where rape cannot be proven or charges were never filed, the threat of joint custody is real.

The New Yorker

He said the 2003 conflict has left the country and MPs suspicious of intelligence that cannot be proven 100%.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be proven", ensure that you clearly articulate what evidence is lacking or why proof is unattainable. This adds credibility to your statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be proven" to imply certainty about something being false. The phrase indicates a lack of evidence, not definitive disproof.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be proven" functions as a modal construction expressing impossibility or lack of conclusive evidence. It indicates that a particular statement or claim lacks sufficient support to be definitively established as true. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be proven" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression indicating a lack of conclusive evidence or verification. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate for use in written English. As highlighted by the examples, it commonly appears in contexts such as science, news, and academic writing, where the discussion of evidence and proof is essential. While alternatives like ""cannot be verified"" or ""remains unproven"" exist, "cannot be proven" effectively communicates the absence of definitive proof. When using this phrase, ensure to contextualize it clearly, specifying what evidence is lacking, to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be substantiated

Focuses on the lack of supporting evidence to back up a claim.

cannot be verified

Emphasizes the inability to confirm the truth or accuracy of something.

cannot be confirmed

Highlights the absence of validation or corroboration.

cannot be demonstrated

Stresses the impossibility of showing or proving something through evidence.

remains unproven

Indicates that something has not yet been, and perhaps cannot be, established as fact.

is not demonstrable

Highlights the lack of capacity to show or make evident.

lacks evidence

Directly points out the absence of proof or supporting information.

remains to be seen

Suggests that the truth or outcome is still uncertain and awaiting proof.

cannot be ascertained

Focuses on the difficulty or impossibility of finding something out for certain.

is only speculative

Implies that the idea is based on conjecture rather than solid proof.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be proven" to indicate that there is a lack of evidence or means to verify a claim. For example: "The existence of extraterrestrial life "cannot be proven" with current technology."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be proven"?

Alternatives include "cannot be verified", "cannot be substantiated", or "remains unproven", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cannot be proven" or "has not been proven"?

"Cannot be proven" suggests an inherent limitation in proving something, while "has not been proven" implies that proof may be possible in the future. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation.

What is the difference between "cannot be proven" and "unlikely to be true"?

"Cannot be proven" indicates a lack of evidence, whereas "unlikely to be true" suggests a low probability based on available information. The former focuses on evidence, while the latter involves a judgment or assessment.