cannot be relied upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be relied upon" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing something that is not trustworthy or dependable. Example: "The data from the experiment cannot be relied upon for accurate conclusions." Alternative expressions include "cannot be trusted" and "is not dependable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Association of Chief Police Officers agreed that crime figures "simply cannot be relied upon", but did so as if discussing a random weather forecast.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here, the pollsters cannot be relied upon.

The Economist

Patel was told "your integrity cannot be relied upon".

The Guardian

The document should not have been made public and cannot be relied upon in any circumstances".

The Guardian

The data cannot be relied upon as a complete record of Iraqi deaths.

The Guardian

A biased source is just that, and cannot be relied upon to be accurate.

The Guardian

A narrow victory cannot be relied upon to resolve the issue.

The Guardian

In the future, Germany cannot be relied upon as Europe's designated driver.

The Guardian

Such practices are useful but cannot be relied upon entirely to eliminate severe infestations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For instance: "European competitions cannot be relied upon as a source of income".

The Economist

But given the past fortnight's turmoil, that cannot be relied upon.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be relied upon", ensure the context clearly indicates what is unreliable and why. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be relied upon" in overly casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "unreliable" or "not dependable" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be relied upon" functions as a passive construction indicating a lack of dependability or trustworthiness. It's used to express that something or someone should not be trusted or counted on to perform as expected. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be relied upon" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a lack of dependability or trustworthiness. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts and carries a neutral to formal tone. While the phrase is suitable for various writing styles, it's advisable to consider simpler alternatives like "unreliable" in informal situations. When using this phrase, clarity regarding what lacks reliability and why is essential. Remember to maintain consistency and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not dependable

Focuses on the characteristic of lacking dependability.

cannot be trusted

Emphasizes a lack of trustworthiness or integrity.

is unreliable

Highlights the inconsistency and unpredictability.

is not to be counted on

Uses a more colloquial and direct expression.

is questionable

Suggests doubt regarding the validity or accuracy.

is uncertain

Implies a lack of surety or predictability.

is fallible

Highlights the potential for error or failure.

is dubious

Suggests a degree of skepticism or suspicion.

is precarious

Implies instability and a high risk of failure.

is tenuous

Suggests a weak or fragile basis.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be relied upon" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be relied upon" to express that something or someone is not dependable or trustworthy. For instance, "The weather forecast "cannot be relied upon" for outdoor planning."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be relied upon"?

You can use alternatives such as "is unreliable", "cannot be trusted", or "is not dependable" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "cannot be relied upon" and "cannot be depended upon"?

"Cannot be relied upon" and "cannot be depended upon" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be relied upon" in writing?

It's appropriate in formal and neutral contexts when you want to express a lack of dependability or trustworthiness in a clear and direct manner. It's commonly found in news, academic, and business writing.