cannot be reduced to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be reduced to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is too complex or great to be simplified or condensed into something else. For example, "Although his thought processes are complicated, they cannot be reduced to a single idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They cannot be reduced to replicable formulas.

The New Yorker

Surely high quality academic writing cannot be reduced to goals?

The Guardian

It cannot be reduced to just one of its databases".

The Guardian - Books

This complexity cannot be reduced to a simple statistic.

The New York Times

Tiravanija's work cannot be reduced to the individual object.

The New York Times

But Woolf cannot be reduced to a psychoanalytical novelist.

The New Yorker

But most purchases cannot be reduced to digital code.

The Economist

If it cannot be reduced to a channel, it cannot be transmitted".

The Guardian

Of course, France's problems cannot be reduced to a question of image.

The Guardian - Opinion

The profession is not easy and it cannot be reduced to process and procedure.

The Guardian

The Anglo-German love-in cannot be reduced to just trade data or market regulation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be reduced to" when you want to emphasize the complexity and multifaceted nature of a subject, arguing against oversimplification. Make sure the context clarifies what simpler explanation you're arguing against.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be reduced to" in situations where a simpler explanation is genuinely adequate. Employing it in overly simple contexts can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be reduced to" functions as a relational expression, indicating that a particular subject or concept is too complex or multifaceted to be simplified or equated with something else. Ludwig's examples show this phrase in diverse contexts, highlighting its role in emphasizing complexity and nuance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be reduced to" is a versatile phrase employed to assert the complexity and multifaceted nature of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts make it a valuable tool for nuanced communication. Its primary function is to counteract oversimplification, particularly in news media, science, and encyclopedic content. While it should be used judiciously to avoid pretentiousness, mastering this phrase allows for a richer, more accurate expression of complex ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be simplified to

Focuses on the inability to make something less complex.

cannot be limited to

Emphasizes the idea that something is not confined or restricted to certain aspects.

cannot be explained solely by

Highlights that other factors beyond a single explanation are necessary.

is more than just

Indicates that something encompasses more than what is immediately apparent.

is not merely

Underscores that something is not simply a particular thing.

transcends

Suggests something goes beyond or surpasses a specific category or limitation.

defies simple categorization

Highlights that something is too complex to be easily classified.

encompasses more than

Shows that something includes more elements or aspects than a particular thing.

goes beyond the scope of

Signifies that something extends past the boundaries of a specific area.

is not just a matter of

Points out that something involves more than just a particular issue or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be reduced to" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be reduced to" to express that something is too complex to be simplified or condensed into something else. For instance, "The problem "cannot be reduced to" a simple matter of semantics".

What can I say instead of "cannot be reduced to"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be simplified to", "is more than just", or "cannot be limited to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "cannot be reduced by" instead of "cannot be reduced to"?

"Cannot be reduced by" implies a decrease in quantity or size, while ""cannot be reduced to"" indicates that something's essence or complexity cannot be simplified. The choice depends on your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "cannot be reduced to" and "cannot be attributed to"?

"Cannot be reduced to" suggests an inability to simplify something complex, whereas "cannot be attributed to" means something is not caused or explained by a specific factor. The meanings are distinct.