cannot be reported

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be reported" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where information or events are not able to be disclosed or communicated, often due to privacy or confidentiality reasons. Example: "Due to the sensitive nature of the information, it cannot be reported to the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Those reasons cannot be reported.

The Guardian

By law, it cannot be reported after seven years.

The New York Times

The details cannot be reported until the trial.

The Guardian

Reporting on what cannot be reported is something in which the British have much more experience.

The New York Times - Tech

Some of the evidence in the case cannot be reported for legal reasons.

The Guardian

His speech is often so peppered with expletives that it cannot be reported.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

None of the six new privacy injunctions recorded by the courts in the past six months were superinjunctions – the most secretive court orders whose existence cannot even be reported.

The Guardian

Insurgents are setting off improvised explosive devices, and when Tom asks someone why the government won't admit how dangerous the situation is, the answer comes straight out of post-9/11 Washington: " 'The security situation' — he put on a portentous, official voice — 'cannot be reported for security reasons.' " In fact, Tom's trip feels longer than the Iraq war, and it's not as much fun.

The New York Times - Books

"How long have you known that you cannot read?" It was reported to me.

Los Angeles Times

Also, the belief that 'doctor cannot help me' was reported by 9.6% of women (Table 3).

BMC Women's Health

His mother once boasted that she had almost drowned him, and his sibling – who cannot be identified – reported once having seen Daniel's head being held under water.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be reported" when you want to clearly state that certain information is prohibited from being disclosed due to legal, ethical, or security reasons. Ensure the context provides a clear understanding of why the information is restricted.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be reported" without a valid reason. Overusing it can create suspicion or distrust. Always ensure there's a legitimate basis for withholding information and that it's communicated transparently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be reported" functions as a passive construction indicating that certain information is restricted from being disclosed or communicated. It typically conveys a prohibition due to legal, ethical, or security reasons. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which affirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

33%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be reported" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that certain information is restricted from disclosure. As supported by Ludwig AI, it’s most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, signaling legal, ethical, or security constraints. Alternatives like "cannot be disclosed" or "must remain confidential" offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure a valid and transparent reason for withholding information to avoid creating suspicion. Its prevalence across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriate usage in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be disclosed

Focuses on the act of revealing information, rather than the reporting aspect.

cannot be revealed

Emphasizes the unveiling or uncovering of information.

must remain confidential

Highlights the requirement to keep information private.

is not for publication

Specifically restricts the sharing of information in published formats.

is off the record

Indicates that the information is not intended for formal documentation or reporting.

cannot be made public

Directly prohibits the release of information to the general audience.

is subject to a non-disclosure agreement

Specifies a legal constraint preventing the sharing of information.

is protected by confidentiality

Highlights the protective measures in place to prevent disclosure.

is restricted information

Focuses on the limited access and control over the information.

details are embargoed

Indicates a temporary prohibition on the release of information until a specified time.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be reported"?

Use "cannot be reported" when information is restricted due to legal reasons, confidentiality agreements, security concerns, or ethical considerations. It's commonly used in legal, journalistic, and scientific contexts.

What are some alternative phrases for "cannot be reported"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be disclosed", "must remain confidential", or "is not for publication" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something "cannot be reported" for legal reasons?

It means that a court order, law, or other legal constraint prohibits the disclosure of specific information. This is often to protect privacy, ensure a fair trial, or maintain national security.

Is there a difference between "cannot be reported" and "not allowed to be reported"?

While similar in meaning, "cannot be reported" often implies a more formal or stringent prohibition, such as a legal or ethical restriction. "Not allowed to be reported" can encompass a broader range of restrictions, including internal policies or guidelines.