cannot be ruled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be ruled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is uncertain or cannot be definitively decided or determined. Example: "The outcome of the experiment cannot be ruled out as a possibility for future research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Surprises cannot be ruled out.

The Economist

That cannot be ruled out.

The Economist

But I cannot be ruled by fear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Such a ploy cannot be ruled out.

The Economist

Foul play cannot be ruled out.

Independent

"Further market disruptions cannot be ruled out".

The New York Times

The possibility cannot be ruled out.

The Economist

That, too, cannot be ruled out.

The New Yorker

However, their occurrence cannot be ruled out.

Electrochimica Acta

"A war cannot be ruled out".

The New York Times

A bloodletting cannot be ruled out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be ruled" to acknowledge potential outcomes or factors when certainty is lacking. This adds nuance and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be ruled" in sentences where a stronger, more definitive statement is appropriate. Overuse can weaken your argument and create unnecessary ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be ruled" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express possibility or uncertainty. It indicates that a particular explanation, outcome, or factor should still be considered, even if it seems improbable. According to Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be ruled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey the possibility or uncertainty of a given scenario. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase finds common ground in both the science and news sectors, signaling its ability to maintain objectivity. Remember, while similar alternatives like "cannot be excluded" or "remains a possibility" exist, the choice depends on your preferred expression. To boost clarity, prevent overuse in forceful claims, and always wield this expression when a balanced acknowledgement is desired. In brief, understanding the subtle nuances of "cannot be ruled" and its optimal usage can enhance the clarity and precision of your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be excluded

Replaces "ruled" with "excluded", focusing on the elimination of a possibility.

cannot be dismissed

Substitutes "ruled" with "dismissed", indicating a lack of serious consideration.

remains a possibility

Uses a positive framing to express that something is still possible.

should not be discounted

Indicates that something should still be considered as a potential factor.

is still on the table

Suggests that a plan or option is still being considered.

remains under consideration

Emphasizes ongoing evaluation or assessment.

is not out of the question

Indicates that something is possible, though perhaps unlikely.

remains a viable option

Suggests that a plan or approach is still feasible and practical.

cannot be ignored

Implies that something must be taken into account or addressed.

is not impossible

States that something is within the realm of possibility.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be ruled" to indicate that a possibility or explanation should still be considered. For example, "Although unlikely, foul play "cannot be ruled out"".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be ruled"?

Alternatives include "cannot be excluded", "cannot be dismissed", or "remains a possibility" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge a possibility or factor that cannot be definitively dismissed, even if it seems unlikely. It's often used in scientific, investigative, or speculative contexts.

What's the difference between "cannot be ruled" and "unlikely"?

"Cannot be ruled" suggests that, despite being improbable, a scenario is still possible and worthy of consideration. "Unlikely" simply indicates a low probability without necessarily implying further investigation is needed. For example, saying a meteor strike "cannot be ruled out" implies preparation is needed while saying it is "unlikely" dismisses preparation.